CRIPtic Arts 2026 Artist Announcement

Posted on: Last updated on: Written by:

Announcing our 2026 Artists.

We’re thrilled to introduce the amazing creatives who have joined our 2026 Artist Development Programmes!

In 2026, we’re once again delivering four artist development programmes, designed to support disabled creatives at different stages in their career, from emerging writers, fresh theatremakers, experienced creatives, and cultural leaders to disabled cultural leaders shaping change within the arts sector. This year we’ll be supporting 14 artists to unleash their creativity and create bold new work.

Launchpad

A bold and colour graphic featuring abstract artwork by Rachel Gadsden, brush strokes of bright red and white swirl into each other on a deep red canvas, behind a hand written “Launchpad” in white. Digitally imposed are black and white images of the Launchpad cohort with red borders. The bottom of the image includes white logos of CRIPtic Arts and Arts Council England.

With Launchpad we’ll be supporting Fran Bushe, Jordan Charles, Kathryn Bond, Hannah Finn and Morgan Barbour to further develop an existing script, culminating in a 20-minute staging as part of a showcase produced and directed by CRIPtic Arts at Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol in September 2026.

Reach

A bold and colour graphic featuring abstract artwork by Rachel Gadsden, purple and blue paint leak down a black canvas with occasional streaks of green behind a hand written “Reach” in white. Digital imposed are black and white images of the Reach cohort with purple borders. The bottom of the image includes white logos of CRIPtic Arts and Arts Council England.

Reach will support five emerging writers to develop their first full-length show ending in an industry sharing of the work. Reach 2026 artists are Georgi Arthur, Caroline Williams, Rana Bader, Maya Owen and Kimberley Capero.

Incubate

A bold and colour graphic featuring abstract artwork by Rachel Gadsden, bright brush strokes of oranges and red blend together with rough texture behind a hand written “Incubate” in white. Digital imposed on top are black and white images of the Incubate cohort with orange borders. The bottom of the image includes white logos of CRIPtic Arts and Arts Council England.

Next is Incubate, a leadership development programme for disabled people creating cultural change in the arts, whether as individuals or by building small organisations, where CRIPtic Arts will be supporting Amanda Grace, Tríus, and Kirin Saeed with VICS.

Breakthrough

A bold and colour graphic featuring abstract artwork by Rachel Gadsden, right brush strokes of oranges and purple make harsh angles behind a hand written “Breakthrough” in white. Digitally imposed is a black and white image of Tamm Reynolds with an orange border. The bottom of the image includes white logos of CRIPtic Arts and Arts Council England.

Finally, Tamm Reynolds is our Breakthrough Artist for 2026, a one-year commission for a mid or late-career creative to break the barriers to mainstream success.

We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!