Liverpool-based disability-led arts organisation RAWD has launched a year-long celebration and £15,000 crowdfunder to mark its fifteenth anniversary.
Fifteen Candles. One Big Wish.
November 2026 marks a landmark birthday for RAWD – fifteen years of radical creativity, disabled-led performance, and fearless advocacy. To mark the occasion, RAWD is launching a £15,000 crowdfunder: 15 for 15.
From a small drama group in a church hall to now packed-out venues, RAWD has spent the last decade amplifying the voices of learning disabled artists.
A RAWD member’s parent says: “RAWD is exceptional. Our daughter can’t wait to get there every week, her confidence has soared and getting the chance to perform and putting forward her ideas is doing wonders for her self worth.”
Now, as the organisation steps into its next chapter, it faces one of its biggest challenges yet – ensuring this work can continue.
Over the next year, RAWD will invite its community of artists, allies, and audiences to take part in a series of “15-themed” challenges and events. From dancing for 15 hours, to baking 15 cakes, to raising £15 for the cause – every act will help sustain the organisation’s vital work empowering disabled artists and amplifying their voices on stages across the North West.
Creativity, Community And Courage
Since its beginnings in a church hall, RAWD has grown into one of the region’s most exciting inclusive arts organisations – co-creating joyful, defiant work that challenges stereotypes and celebrates disabled creativity week in, week out.
Co-CEO and Creative Producer Alice Lapworth says: “Turning fifteen is more than a milestone – it’s a moment to look back on everything our community has built, and to imagine what comes next. We’ve spent fifteen years creating space for disabled artists to thrive, but the fight for equality isn’t over. This crowdfunder is about investing in the next fifteen years of change.”
Funds raised through 15 for 15 will directly support RAWD’s creative programmes, training opportunities, and inclusive performance projects in 2026.
Why Your Support Matters
In an increasingly difficult climate for arts and disability funding, RAWD’s work has never been more vital – or more vulnerable.
Fifteen years on, the organisation remains driven by the same belief that started it all: that creativity is a powerful tool for independence, confidence and expression. But to keep that mission alive, RAWD needs the help of its community, audiences and allies.
This crowdfunder is a call to everyone who believes in a more inclusive future:
Help us raise £15,000 – and help us make sure RAWD is still here in another fifteen years.
Join The Movement
As part of the campaign, RAWD will deliver a year-long programme of monthly events, including (but not limited to) 15 hours of Karaoke, a Mother’s Day Craft Event and a Halloween event. Supporters are encouraged to attend and get involved, with full event details available on RAWD’s website.
In addition, RAWD is inviting its community members to take on their own “15” challenge — whether that be creating 15 paintings, writing 15 poems, completing 15 acts of kindness, or undertaking another meaningful activity inspired by the campaign theme. Participants are encouraged to share their efforts to help raise awareness and vital funds.
Supporting RAWD is not limited to financial contributions. There are a number of free and impactful ways to get involved, including volunteering at fundraising events, sharing campaign messages across social media, and helping to spread the word within local networks.
The campaign has officially launched, with full details available at rawdproject.co.uk. You can donate to the project via Just Giving.