A new milestone for Liverpool’s leading disability arts organisation, as RAWD launches a year-long celebration and £15,000 crowdfunder for its fifteenth anniversary.
A Celebration 15 Years In The Making
This November 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 them raise £15,000 – and help make sure RAWD is still here in another fifteen years.
Join The Movement
As part of the campaign, RAWD will host a year of events and community challenges celebrating creativity, protest, and pride. Community Members can take on their own “15” – whether it’s 15 paintings, 15 poems, or 15 acts of kindness – and share their efforts to raise awareness and funds.
The campaign launches officially this November, with full details to follow soon.
Until then, RAWD leaves supporters with one clue:
Fifteen candles. One big wish.
To donate to RAWD’s Crowdfunder visit justgiving.com/campaign/rawd15for15