For almost 31 years Shape has been at the forefront of change, aiming to achieve access to the arts for disabled and deaf people; empowering people to enrich their lives through enjoyment of the arts and active participation.

Through our work, we have gained the respect of disabled and non disabled people alike. Shape celebrates Disability and Deaf Culture, providing a new dynamic forum for artistic, social and cultural change.

Long before legislation like the Disability Discrimination Act existed, deaf and disabled people used the arts to raise awareness of deaf and disability issues, and campaign for social equality. Today, Shape continues to support deaf and disabled artists to challenge society's perceptions, develop audiences and promote Deaf and Disability culture into the 21st century.