Birmingham 2022: Critical Mass
An evaluation report from Critical Mass, an inclusive dance project which featured as part of the Birmingham 2022 Cultural Festival
Critical Mass
The project is now complete
A major part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Cultural Festival, Critical Mass saw nearly 250 disabled and non-disabled young people from diverse backgrounds take part in inclusive dance and perform to a worldwide audience.
The project in numbers
£1,113,350
Project spend
2 Years
Project duration
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Grantee Organisation
Critical Mass was a mass participation dance project which brought together disabled and non-disabled young people to show how genuine inclusion can be achieved in huge events such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Participants had the opportunity to take part in dance and movement workshops and creative sessions across a 14-month journey. Critical Mass performances were be right at the heart of the Birmingham 2022 Cultural Festival, a world-class programme of art and culture running from March to September 2022, including performances in the Birmingham International Dance Festival and at the Opening Ceremony itself.
Collaborating with Birmingham 2022 to deliver the project was FABRIC, Arts Connect and the Dance Development Leaders Group, a dedicated network of dance organisations across the West Midlands who have a commitment to developing dance participation.
Together, the partners harnessed community cohesion and inclusion, and used their expertise in inclusive dance and mass choreography to build the skills and confidence of the young people as they work and play together to create lasting performance moments that were seen locally by thousands, and broadcast globally to an audience of one billion.
Project aims
- Bring disabled and non-disabled young people together to take part in dance and perform during the Birmingham 2022 Cultural Festival
