Edinburgh's International Conference Centre will play host to Scotland's first national celebration of disability arts this coming Wednesday, 3 December 2003.

The day-long event features Scottish and international performers, discussions, workshops, demonstrations as well as a Video Room all of which emphasise the achievements of disabled artists.

Titled 'Future Perfect?', the event has been organised to provide a 'fluid' day, allowing participants to investigate and participate in a wide range of activities.  As well as keynote addresses, there will be workshops exploring different models of practice for arts organisations.

Performers include dancer Bill Shannon, from New York, who is known for his challenging performances rooted in street and hip-hop culture yet informed by the fine arts.  Comedian Laurence Clark, still enjoying the acclaim from his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, will look at the impacts of 'disabling comedy' on people's lives.  Big Beat, a new collaboration between Sounds of Progress and Project Ability will also perform.

Throughout the day, Scottish and international short films and animation created by disabled film makers will be shown in the Video Room.  The film programme has been curated by Matt Hulse, Director of the Deaf Focus Film Festival.  The day will conclude with a performance of Strauss' Four Last Songs by Indepen-dance, an integrated dance company that works with adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

Jim Tough, Head of Arts at the Scottish Arts Council and a keynote speaker on the day said:  'Today's event is about consolidating the successes of recent years and moving the agenda on towards 'a more perfect future'.  It's a challenging ambition, but one that we must strive for if we are to call ourselves a truly inclusive society that respects and values diversity. This ambition is as important in the arts as in any other area of public life'.

'Future Perfect?' is the culmination of  the Scottish Arts Council's programme for European Year of Disabled People 2003.  A series of seminars were held throughout the country which explored the issues of accessibility, media, representation, training needs and good practice.  The Scottish Arts Council also undertook research into access to visual art galleries for disabled people.  The study looked at what is currently provided by galleries including interpretation facilities, education programmes, staff expertise as well as physical facilitates.  The results were fed into Good Gallery website (www.goodgalleryguide.com).

'Future Perfect?' is fully supported by British Sign Language interpreters, a Lip Speaker, induction loop, audio description and palantype.  The aim is that every attendee will be able to fully participate, regardless of their personal circumstances.  The venue has been chosen specifically for its ease of access.