THE disabled-led arts charity University of Atypical has launched The Chris Ledger Legacy Awards (CLLA) for artists in memory of its much-loved former CEO who passed away last year.
Funded by disabled arts commissioning programme Unlimited and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the CLLA recognise the major contribution Lancashire-born Chris Ledger made to the arts and cultural sector in Northern Ireland, in particular her many initiatives to support d/Deaf, disabled, and Neurodiverse artists.
Open to creative practitioners from all artforms, the grant scheme offers four awards of £5,000 each to support disabled artists in continuing with their practice and creating new work.
Damien Coyle, CEO of University of Atypical, describes Chris as a "powerhouse" who worked tirelessly to advance the careers of artists.
"Chris's loss is felt across the sector and she was a true friend and inspiration to many people," he says.
"The awards are a fitting tribute to her achievements and is welcomed by all those she supported. This support underpins the developmental role University of Atypical plays in promoting the work created by d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists and in facilitating career enhancement opportunities."
Originally from the north west of England, Chris worked in film production and ran a multi-media company before coming to live in Northern Ireland. She worked initially with the Tourist Board and Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure before becoming Disability Arts development officer at the Arts Council in 2004.
In 2009 Chris joined the Arts and Disability Forum as chief executive and under her leadership it evolved to become the University of Atypical in 2019. During Chris's leadership, D/deaf and disabled arts and culture was mainstreamed to an unprecedented degree.
Jo Verrent, senior producer at Unlimited, recalls working with Chris, at disability-led arts organisation, East Midlands Shape, based in Nottingham:
"We worked together for over five years, building projects and systems, supporting disabled artists, and working with arts organisations across the East Midlands to try and make change. She was strong minded, witty and a pleasure to work alongside.
"I remember her quiet joy every time we gained support for a project or an artist, as she thought through the real and tangible difference it would make to their lives. These awards would make her smile – they do what she always wanted to do – get money to disabled artists so they can make work and continue to have sustainable artistic careers."
Applications for the Chris Ledger Legacy Awards opened on Monday August 9 and will close at 4pm on Friday October 12. The University of Atypical will provide advice clinics to assist applicants with the application process until Friday October 1. Award recipients will be notified by Monday October 25.
Information on the awards, application packs, and advice clinic booking forms are available from the University of Atypical website at universityofatypical.org and on Facebook art FB.com/universityofatypical
