Roundtable: Accessible Arts Education

During the Nederlandse Dansdagen in October 2025, an initial discussion took place on inclusive talent development and accessible arts education. Based on the outcomes of this discussion, PodiumINC and ECIO have taken the next steps. We are now at the start of a multi-year practical research project on accessible arts education in collaboration with the dance programs at Artez, Codarts, and Fontys.

The goal of this practical research is to make arts education structurally more inclusive. We are doing this by examining barriers in the selection process, student intake, and educational practices. The intended outcome is that talented (prospective) students with disabilities will have equal opportunities to pursue arts education and advance to the professional performing arts.

During this roundtable discussion, we will continue the conversation on how to work together to make dance education more accessible to everyone.