New performing arts studio opens as Bounce celebrates 10th anniversary

The Ledger Studio in Royal Avenue will be used for theatre, comedy, dance, music and spoken word performed by D/deaf, disabled and Neurodiverse artists.

The studio will be officially opened on October 7 at the start of the Bounce Arts Festival, which showcases the best new work by D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists at venues across Belfast, Derry and online in Fermanagh and Omagh.

Bounce, which is run by the University of Atypical and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department for Communities and Belfast City Council, has grown into one of the top disability arts festivals in Europe. It runs from October 7-9.

Damien Coyle, Chief Executive of University of Atypical, speaking at the launch of the Bounce programme said:

“This is an exciting time for University of Atypical. 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.”

“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.”

Patricia Lavery, Acting Head of Community Arts & Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added:

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is committed to supporting the work and career development of our D/deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists. The Bounce Arts Festival offers an important platform to shine a light on work from these artists whilst also showcasing work by disabled artists from the UK and Europe.

“Congratulations to the University of Atypical who have curated a terrific programme for Bounce this year which features some of the most talented artists from Northern Ireland including Ruth McGinley, Larry McAree and Alice McCullough, among others. I am also delighted to see the University of Atypical launch the Ledger Studio, a very fitting tribute to the legacy of Chris Ledger and offering exciting opportunities for showcasing the work of our D/deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists in the future.”

Speaking at the launch of the Bounce programme, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black said:

“To launch this studio during the 10th anniversary of the University of Atypical’s annual Bounce Festival is a wholly fitting tribute to Chris Ledger who was such a powerful advocate for arts inclusion and accessibility.

“We’re very proud to invest in Bounce through our Cultural Multi-Annual Grant scheme. 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. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to take a step outside their ‘typical’ experience and get along to see what Bounce has to offer.”

In addition to holding events in the Ledger Studio, the organisation is taking over the Crescent Arts Centre for the weekend as well as holding performances in the Lyric, the Black Box, Centre for Contemporary Art and the Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry.

Some highlights of the weekend include:

• The Song of the Bones at the Lyric which charts the story of Ireland’s last witch trial in Islandmagee using electronic pop music with puppetry and spoken word poetry. It features spell-binding narratives by award-winning performance poet Alice McCullough.
• Celebrated pianist Ruth McGinley performs an original piece at the Crescent Arts Centre.
• Kids in Control’s Blue Chevy Ensemble will be performing Scenes from Inner Space, a special piece devised with Paula Clarke, the BSL interpreter for BBC NI news. Kids in Control’s are the Theatre in Residence Company at the new Ledger Studio.
• Legendary DJ and musician Jonny Mac’s Warriors of the Dystotheque presents Anthropause, the House and Techno session featuring Reverse Jazz & Micky O Brien at the Nerve Centre in Derry.
• Visual artist Hugh O’Donnell performs Liminal at the Centre for Contemporary Art in Derry.
• Still Livin’, is an interactive, immersive exhibition by Larry McAree at the University of Atypical Gallery. Larry will also be launching a book telling the story of his life as part of Bounce Festival.

There’s a packed programme this year including pop up performances by the Open Arts Choir and Joel Kenny as well as workshops and masterclasses.

For more information on all the live shows, workshops, and online content and to book tickets, go to www.universityofatypical.org/bounce