Disabled artists’ programme moves to Wakefield

A commissioning programme for disabled artists has relocated to Wakefield as it pursues independence. 

Unlimited, currently delivered by Shape Arts and Artsadmin, will relaunch as a standalone organisation in April 2022

It will take up residence at The Art House, a studio complex and arts venue in Wakefield city centre.

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Unlimited Senior Producer Jo Verrent said: “Yorkshire is a great base for us to provide support, funding and promote new work by disabled artists for UK and international audiences.

“We look forward to getting to know both the people and places of Wakefield so we can genuinely add traction to our new home – supporting, partnering and creating new opportunities for disabled people as audiences, participants and, of course, artists.”

Unlimited was founded in London in 2013. Since then, it has awarded £4.7m to more than 400 disabled artists and companies.

As part of its move, Unlimited is recruiting new roles including financial and communications managers, a new senior producer, and a communications officer.

A warm welcome

Wakefield Council has welcomed Unlimited’s move to the city.

The city narrowly missed out on the longlist for UK City of Culture 2025 and is planning its own year of cultural activity in 2024.

“As a council, we are very much looking forward to working with [Unlimited]… to increase the representation of disabled people in every way possible,” Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said.

Unlimited's relaunch is being supported by a £750,000 National Lottery Project Grant.

Sarah Maxfield, Arts Council England's Area Director for the North, said the funder is "passionate about breaking down barriers" to participation.

"The work that Unlimited does in supporting disabled artists helps us achieve this aim.”

A mural for Wakefield

To commemorate the relocation, Unlimited commissioned Wakefield artist Mohammad Barrangi to create a new outdoor mural near Wakefield Cathedral.

The Iranian artist and paralympian said the mural has attracted many comments from British people and refugees.

He described Unlimited as his "family".

"It’s a big family, linking artists who are disabled across the whole of the UK and further. I think the future is good for Unlimited in Wakefield.”