CRIPtic Arts to lead Liberty 2025 in Wandsworth’s Year as The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture
London’s most groundbreaking disability arts festival is making its way to Wandsworth in 2025. Liberty 2025, the Mayor of London’s flagship celebration of disabled creatives, is set to turn the borough into a dynamic hub of disability-led art, community projects, and cultural innovation. And leading the charge? The powerhouse that is CRIPtic Arts.
A New Era for Disability Arts in Wandsworth
Liberty isn’t just another festival. It’s a movement. Since its inception in 2003, it has evolved into a platform for bold, innovative, and thought-provoking disabled-led performances, exhibitions, and workshops. Now, as part of Wandsworth’s reign as the London Borough of Culture 2025, Liberty will bring the borough alive with creativity.
CRIPtic Arts, a disabled-led arts organisation, will embed disability-led art deep into the fabric of Wandsworth’s communities. Expect workshops in schools, immersive experiences in public spaces, and a festival lineup that challenges, excites, and redefines what disability-led art looks like in 2025.
CRIPtic’s Vision: Pushing Boundaries and Defying Expectations
CRIPtic Arts isn’t here to play it safe. Artistic Director Jamie Hale is all about pushing the boundaries of disability arts, questioning societal norms, and redefining narratives. This isn’t just about representation—it’s about taking centre stage and reshaping the cultural landscape.
“At CRIPtic, we commission work that explores the disabled experience in all its depth—past, present, and future,” says Hale. “We want work that challenges perceptions, breaks artistic conventions, and moves beyond tired tropes. Liberty 2025 is about giving disabled creatives the resources, platforms, and opportunities to create world-class work that resonates far beyond the disability arts scene.”
From Emerging Creatives to Established Artists—Everyone Gets a Seat at the Table
Liberty 2025 isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about nurturing it. The festival will invest in creatives at every stage of their journey, from emerging voices bursting with fresh ideas to seasoned artists ready to launch their next major work.
Expect mentorships, commissions, and collaborations that help develop raw talent into fully realised artistic projects. And it’s not just about Wandsworth. Liberty 2025 aims to set a new standard for disability arts across the UK and beyond.
A Festival That Speaks to Everyone
Liberty 2025 isn’t just for one audience—it’s for everyone. Expect:
- Family-friendly workshops for kids to explore creativity in inclusive spaces.
- Dementia-friendly performances designed for accessibility.
- Community projects that bring disability-led art into local businesses and public spaces.
- Groundbreaking theatre and visual arts that challenge, inspire, and educate.
“In 2025, Liberty will fill Wandsworth with the richness and diversity of disability-led arts,” says Councillor Kemi Akinola. “From children’s workshops to cutting-edge performances, access will be at the heart of everything.”
Why This Matters: A Cultural Shift in London’s Arts Scene
Liberty has been reshaping perceptions of disability arts for years. It has travelled across London, landing in Waltham Forest (2019), Lewisham (2022), and Croydon (2023). Now, Wandsworth takes the spotlight.
Deputy Mayor for Culture, Justine Simons OBE, highlights the festival’s impact: “Liberty is made by, and celebrates, the creativity of talented D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. It’s a chance for Wandsworth to showcase culture in all its forms.”
This isn’t just another event on the calendar. Liberty 2025 is a statement. It’s a reminder that disability arts isn’t a niche—it’s an integral part of London’s cultural identity. With CRIPtic Arts at the helm, this festival will push boundaries, shift perspectives, and create a legacy that lasts far beyond 2025.
So, get ready, Wandsworth. The future of disability arts is here, and it’s about to change the game.
