The project puts the accent on empowering PWD to participate in cultural life as visitors and members of the audience and as artistically active individuals. This implies significant improvement of accessibility in cultural institutions, promotion among staff of necessary skills and installation of sustainable networks. An additional concern is increasing awareness of and respect for PWD and their needs among the general public.

Almost all big innovative projects and inclusive events in Russia are concentrated in capitals, this project has a strong focus on working in Russian regions – Yekaterinburg, Pskov, Kaliningrad, and Omsk.

Key activities:

• Work with role model institutions in four project regions on introducing a model accessibility for PWD, supported by an international expert team and in close cooperation with a regional CSO from the social sector.
• Eight multi-stakeholder dialogues (two in each target region) with representatives of cultural institutions and organisations including the role model institutions, CSOs, local authorities, experts, PWD, representatives of the media and others.
• Inclusive art projects (performances, exhibitions, etc.) with persons with and without disabilities as artists.

Projected results:

• Concrete measures to guarantee the inclusion of PWD in at least four cultural institutions;
• Raised self-confidence and motivation to take part in advocacy for PWD;
• Improved knowledge about participatory needs and rights of PWD among representatives of cultural institutions, CSOs, local authorities, media;
• Strengthened general awareness and social justice in society as a whole.

Duration:  01/01/2020 – 30/06/2022 (30 months)

Location/s:  Russia: Pskov, Pskov Oblast; Ekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast; Omsk, Omsk Oblast; Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad Oblast.