On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Emily Conway, singer, artist, and founder of the DADA Campaign (Disabled Artists, Disabled Academics). Their conversation revealed the realities of building a career in the arts while living with disability, the systemic inequities disabled artists face, and the growing movement to demand recognition, rights, and real change.
The Birth of DADA
Emily explained that the campaign began almost by accident during the pandemic. Living with both visual impairment and an autoimmune condition, she described how the constant impact of disability undermines progress:
“It’s like building castles on sinking sand. Whatever ground you gain, flare-ups or health setbacks take away again.”
For Emily, the arts were already precarious, but when disability is added into the equation, the precarity becomes “squared.” The pandemic exposed just how invisible disabled artists were in policy and support structures. Emergency funds and schemes left many behind, with some disabled artists even forced to turn down work to avoid losing their disability supports.
Building a Campaign
What began with Emily speaking up soon gathered momentum. Other disabled artists and academics joined in, creating the DADA network. Together, they pushed for systemic recognition of the “cost of disability” in the arts, lobbying politicians, engaging with committees, and raising awareness.
In 2021, Emily and fellow artist Alda Orolikon-Karmety presented to the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters. Their message was clear: disabled artists need security to create. Supports like disability allowance or the blind pension should not be withdrawn when artists earn from their work—instead, income above a threshold should be taxed fairly, just like any other profession.
Advocacy and Action
Since then, DADA has grown to over 50 members, including international artists facing similar barriers. The campaign has:
- Met with politicians and cross-party groups, including facilitated briefings in Leinster House.
- Submitted proposals and policy recommendations, particularly around arts, culture, and social protection.
- Worked with cultural bodies such as the Arts Council and Creative Ireland to highlight the need for disability-led access strategies.
- Collaborated with allies like the NCAD Students’ Union, ensuring younger voices are included.
Emily stressed that representation matters:
“Every organisation has an EDI strategy now, but too often it’s box-ticking. What we need is disabled artists leading accessibility, shaping projects, and creating real change.”
Artistry and Activism
Alongside campaigning, Emily continues her career as a jazz singer and creative collaborator. Her projects often weave music, literature, and accessibility together. From cross-cultural performances in New York to multisensory projects with visually impaired children at the Ark, her work shows the power of art to include and empower.
She also highlighted the importance of disability-led initiatives in cultural spaces:
“We are the best people to know how to bring each other into the space in a way that’s interesting, engaging, and well-informed.”
Disability Pride and Beyond
DADA has also played a role in cultural activism beyond policy meetings. This summer, they supported the Disability Pride Parade, ensuring an accessible afterparty with karaoke—something simple, but long absent in Dublin’s nightlife. They’ve also contributed to the Nighttime Economy Forum, advocating for a “Michelin star”-style rating for accessibility in venues.
The campaign is now gaining international attention, with cases like that of writer Evelyn Zink—unable to take up her university place in Ireland due to barriers transferring personal assistance supports—demonstrating the wider systemic failures that breach UN conventions.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, Emily is hopeful. She sees momentum building and a younger generation demanding change:
“I really feel like change is coming. It’s long overdue in disability, but there’s going to be a critical mass and the system will have to change.”
For Emily and the DADA campaign, the vision is clear: a cultural landscape where disabled artists can thrive without losing vital supports, where access is designed by disabled people themselves, and where contributions are valued as rights, not favours.
To follow the campaign and learn more, visit facebook or keep an eye on updates from Disability Matters.
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM. Podcast available after each show on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.