Universal Artistic Design is an innovative project that builds on the philosophy of universal design, a concept originally developed in architecture, and applies it to the performing arts. This project aims to create a space where art is open to all – regardless of physical abilities, origin, or social status. By promoting inclusivity and accessibility, it seeks to enrich the audience’s experience and create new opportunities for creative expression for all artists, particularly those from marginalized communities.
One of the main goals is to engage 36 young performing artists (under 35 years old) from Poland, Italy, and Serbia, including artists with disabilities or those from marginalized groups. This project focuses on developing new artistic practices that integrate the principles of universal design into theater productions and performances, enabling greater participation and contribution from artists with disabilities to the artistic life. Furthermore, the project aims to contribute to the spread of social justice, equality, and diversity through art.
The project will involve independent artistic groups from Poland, Italy, and Serbia. These groups will be characterized by having more than half of their members who are artists with disabilities and those from marginalized communities. Participants will be selected through open calls in each country.
The project foresees several key activities that will bring together artists and experts from the three countries, including: International Artistic Camp in Torun (June 2025) with workshops on inclusion and universal design; Artistic Residencies in Novi Sad (July–November 2025), where artists will develop and test new performances; Universal Artistic Festival in Padua (February 2026), where the results of the work will be presented;
The project is funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe program, and the partners are the Regional Center for Cultural Animation (Poland), Teatro Stabile del Veneto (Italy), and Kulturanova (Serbia).
Follow our social media for more information about this project, as well as other projects where we connect culture and art with other sectors, fostering an interdisciplinary and multimedia approach.
Through this project, art becomes a bridge that connects different worlds, allowing all artists to express themselves and the audience to experience art that is truly open and inclusive.
Check out the video from the project’s kickoff meeting at this link.