Disability Futures
Disability Futures supports disabled creative practitioners whose work advances the country’s cultural landscape across disciplines, including art, film, and journalism.
A performance by Yo-Yo Lin.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Overview
Born out of a year-long research study that interviewed dozens of disabled artists across the country, Disability Futures aims to increase the visibility of disabled creative practitioners across disciplines and geography, and amplify their voices individually and collectively. Launched in 2020 by the Ford Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Disability Futures has supported 60 disabled creative practitioners throughout its duration with unrestricted funding in the amount of $50,000 each, as well as access to technical support.
How We Collaborate
In 2019, USA embarked upon a year-long research phase, conducting surveys, field interviews, and resource reviews in order to better understand the unique needs and challenges of the disabled cultural community. With the participation of advisors, artists, consultants, and other professionals, USA built a national fellowship opportunity for disabled creative practitioners across disciplines, providing access to supplemental support including communications expertise, financial planning resources, and legal counsel as needed. In July 2021, the Ford Foundation, in partnership with Mellon Foundation and USA, produced a virtual summit honoring Disability Futures fellows and their collaborators through never-before-seen performances, compelling conversations, and a virtual dance party.
Duration: 2020 - present
Services: Program design, administration
Panelists
Disability Futures
Panelists
Panelists organized by year
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Lisa/August Evans
Berkeley, CA
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Jasmine Wahi
Co-Director
Project For Empty Space
Brooklyn, NY
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Anaïs Duplan
Poet, Curator, Artist, and Educator
Center for Afrofuturist Studies
North Adams, MA
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