DaDa has announced a new chapter in its work with young disabled musicians, having secured significant funding from Youth Music Trailblazer and the PH Holt Foundation to deliver an ensemble project across the Liverpool City Region throughout 2026.
Designed to create an inclusive music-making programme, the ensemble project offers young disabled people the chance to develop their artistry, build confidence and be part of a professionally supported creative community and DaDa is now inviting the next generation of musicians to join.
Delivered with specialist partners, the project responds directly to the lack of regular, accessible music provision for disabled young people locally. Through inclusive ensemble sessions, mentoring and performance opportunities, participants will be supported to explore their creativity and demonstrate what is possible when talent is nurtured in an environment built around access and ambition.
The ensemble project builds on over a decade of successful delivery by DaDa, which has supported the development of artists including Joshua Henderson, who released his debut album Songs for Liverpool with Friends in June 2024. The album’s success saw it stocked by HMV Liverpool last year, highlighting the progression that can emerge from inclusive music programmes.
Throughout the project, DaDa and specialist music practitioners will work with young disabled people aged 14–25 from across the Liverpool City Region, supporting them to refine their skills, collaborate with peers and grow as artists. The first ensemble group is now open for application and will be running from 2 March 2026 through until the summer each Monday during term time at Resonate Music Hub in Liverpool.
Open Call: Join DaDa’s Young Disabled Musicians Ensemble
DaDa is now welcoming expressions of interest from young disabled musicians aged 14–25 living in Liverpool City Region who want to be part of this exciting new programme.
To find out more or to get involved, contact [email protected].
Executive Producer Rachel Rogers said, “We are thrilled that Youth Music and the PH Holt Foundation have recognised the unique opportunity this ensemble project offers.
“There is a real gap in local music provision for disabled young people who want regular, inclusive music development in an accessible environment.
“Over more than 10 years of running ensemble projects, we’ve seen the transformative impact this work can have — not just on musicianship, but on confidence, wellbeing and ambition.
“The project creates space for mentoring that genuinely works. Seeing artists like Josh, and our young music leader Thomas, continue to develop their practice is incredibly exciting. We can’t wait to meet our next group of young musicians — they always delight and surprise us.”
Young musicians who took part in last year’s project described the experience as “amazing”. Their interviews and reflections can be read and listened to here:
https://www.dadafest.co.uk/article/dada-young-ensemble-tell-us-why-its-just-amazing.
This project is delivered with the support of Youth Music, PH Holt Foundation, Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England.
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