a celebration of local disabled artists

Joy Festival is back for 2026! There are many exciting opportunities to get involved, from upskilling workshops to performances.

Artist Development Programme
Brand new for 2026, we have launched the Joy Artist Development Programme. Designed to support emerging disabled artists in developing their professional artistic career and practice, the programme offers 4 artists a programme of 1:1 mentoring, networking, professional seminars with leading disability arts organisations, plus rehearsal time culminating in a performance slot during the Joy Festival Studio performance week. 

We are thrilled to announce that this year's artists are: Isaiah James-Mitchell, S.J.J. Lenon, Harry Dixon-Spain and Sana El-Wakili

Upskilling Workshops:

We are running a series of upskilling workshops for individuals who identify as D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and/or chronically ill. These workshops are an opportunity to develop your professional and creative practice, exploring skills from self-producing to creative leadership to auto-biographical performance. These workshops are in association with our Artist Development Programme. The workshops are hosted at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Click on the Schedule tab to find out more, and visit our Eventbrite page to book your free place to an upskilling workshop.

Amici Workshop

Amici, a partner of Joy Festival and Turtle Key Arts, are running a movement and dance workshop at Lyric Hammersmith on 14th October, 4-6pm. More details and booking to be announced soon.

Joy Scratch Nights

Come and watch our Joy scratch nights, presented in the Lyric Hammersmith’s Studio Theatre, a culmination of the wonderful work taking place across Joy Festival! With performances from our community companies as well as our Artist Development Programme artists, these will be evenings of exciting and inclusive arts.