Katrina reflects on her time in Cologne as part of the EASPD art and culture study visit
In November, Global Ambassador Katrina joined other members of EASPD‘s Forum on Arts, Culture and Sport for an inspiring study visit to Cologne, Germany.
The study visit, organised in the framework of EASPD’s Lighthouse Network, brought together people from across Europe to explore how to make art, culture and creative careers more accessible to all. The group had the chance to visit and learn from Cologne-based organisations that are committed to this purpose and learn from their lived experience in the sector.
Katrina was supported to attend the conference through Carr Gomm’s International Collaborations Global Ambassador programme. The programme, which is open to staff of all levels of the organisation, allows individuals to participate in international exchanges, conferences and study visits to expand their knowledge and skills, and bring valuable learning back to Carr Gomm.
Katrina shares her experience of the trip below, along with her key learnings and takeaways:
I’m so thankful to have been able to attend the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) study visit to Cologne last week through Carr Gomm’s International Collaborations project.
The trip was an amazing opportunity to connect with other participants from across Europe and to meet organisations in Cologne that advocate for people with disabilities in the arts.
I had the chance to visit Kunsthaus Kat 18, an incredible art space that supports up to 24 artists with disabilities, giving them the freedom and space to develop their own creative expression. Being able to meet some of the artists and to see the stunning artwork they created was truly inspiring.
The trip was hosted by Un-Label, an organisation that advocates for art and culture being accessible to all. They work with professional performers and artists with disabilities to co-create unique, fully accessible productions that highlight the power of culture being inclusive. They also provide training courses, master classes and coaching sessions involving people with and without disabilities from all over Europe. It was amazing to visit their fully accessible studio and offices. The attention to detail and the thought put into the building were incredible. It made me wonder why more new builds aren’t created with accessibility needs in mind, and there are definitely elements I’m keen to incorporate into my work at home.
Un-Label also shared trailers from their previous mixed-able productions, which all looked truly amazing! I hope I can visit in future and see one in person!
The trip ended with an evening concert, Open Access, by a local jazz trio, which had collaborated with Un-Label. It was a great event and an incredible way to bring the trip to a close.
I had a wonderful few days in Cologne. It was a truly inspiring experience. I loved hearing about these incredible organisations, connecting with the other participants, gaining valuable knowledge and experience to bring back to Carr Gomm, and exploring Cologne (at the start of Carnival!).
Thank you to Un-Label for being wonderful hosts, and thank you to Carr Gomm’s International Collaborations project and EASPD for providing the opportunity to attend and for supporting me throughout the process.
I cannot wait for more collaborations in future!
We wish to express our thanks to EASPD for providing a travel grant, which made this opportunity possible.
We look forward to collaborating with EASPD in the future for more international learning opportunities for our Global Ambassadors. These initiatives not only broaden our horizons but also strengthen our commitment to learning and growth within our community and further afield.
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