A DISABLED-led charity is set to open a new performing arts studio in Belfast city centre.
The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is behind the Ledger Studio, which will be based on Royal Avenue, and will be used for theatre, comedy, dance, music and spoken word - performed by deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists.
The studio will be opened on October 7 at the start of the Bounce Arts Festival, which showcases work by deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists at venues across Belfast and Derry and online in Fermanagh and Omagh.
Damien Coyle of University of Atypical said: "Over the past decade our fabulous Bounce Arts festival has expanded and we are proud to launch an exciting and eclectic programme that includes music, performance and visual art, drama and dance as well as a book launch by one of the recipients of the Chris Ledger Legacy Awards.
"While we make Bounce events as accessible as possible to D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse audiences, we want Bounce to be for everyone."
He added: "And with the new Ledger Studio we will be able to reach even greater audiences throughout the year.
"This is a wonderful legacy to Chris who did so much for arts and disability in Northern Ireland".
Belfast lord mayor Christina Black said: "It’s fantastic to partner with the only festival in the region that is dedicated to showcasing outstanding new work by D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse creatives.
“It’s so heartening to see the progress that’s been made over the last decade – and I have no doubt that the University of Atypical is bound for even greater things over the next decade and beyond."
