The idea for Undercover Artist Festival was developed by Access Arts in consultation with Access Arts participants, a range of artists experiencing disability, and the arts workers who work with them.

Collectively these artists and individuals expressed a need for more opportunities for professional performing artists with disability to present their work, and better representation in the industry, particularly by Australia’s major performing arts companies.

In 2015, the inaugural Undercover Artist Festival was led by founding Festival Director Belinda Locke, a role which was then taken on by Harmonie Downes for the following festival in 2017. Both women are professional arts practitioners who identify as experiencing disability.

Since then the festival has gone on to be a huge success as part of the Brisbane Festival, and it is due to return in 2023!

The festival progrm for 2023 is still due to be announced, but stay tuned for updates!

Click here to see the festival program form 2021 and to find out more about the past festivals!

The Undercover Artist festival celebrates and creates art. It showcases disability-led, professional performing arts work.

We work with amazing volunteers, partners and donors to make this festival a success. If you’d like to join our team and see how you can help follow this link.