Cholavan Awarded Unlimited Micro Capital Grant to Expand Accessibility and Inclusion

This generous investment means even more people of diverse languages and cultures, including both disabled and nondisabled people, will be able to take part in the creative magic the Cholavan brings into communities.

And this really is a pinch-me moment for us. Because the Cholavan didn’t appear out of nowhere. It exists thanks to the huge wave of belief and support we received during our original fundraising campaign. When we first dreamt up the idea of a mobile creative space that could roll into neighbourhoods, tell stories, host workshops and spark lots of joy, it was our supporters, donors and partners who said “yes” and helped us buy and renovate it. Since then, the Cholavan has travelled across towns, schools, festivals and parks, meeting people where they are, and creating moments of connection in places where cultural offer is often limited. We’ve always felt incredibly lucky to have it, and this new grant means its story is far from over.

Over the next year, the Cholavan will receive a whole range of exciting upgrades designed to support disabled, multilingual and neurodiverse audiences comfortably and independently. This includes hearing loop systems for audience members with hearing aids, multi-language audio through individual headsets, audio description for visually impaired participants, and real-time subtitles with multilingual display on a retractable projector screen. We’ll also be adding improved high-contrast multilingual signage, an awning shelter for rainy or sunny days, and portable seating to help people feel welcome and able to stay longer.

All of these upgrades will help transform the Cholavan from something portable into something truly accessible, removing physical, cultural and linguistic barriers so that more people can take part in the things we do best: imagining, sharing stories and bringing communities together.

This new chapter for the Cholavan is also happening at a really exciting moment for the region. There’s growing momentum across West Yorkshire around cultural accessibility, recently highlighted by both local and national media. BBC and Arts Professional coverage has explored how arts organisations are adapting their spaces and programmes to better serve disabled communities and multilingual audiences, and we’re so proud that Chol and the Cholavan have been included as part of that picture.

Works will begin in early 2026, including specialist installations, a people-focused accessibility campaign, and a community showcase so people can experience the upgrades first-hand. We’ll be sharing updates every step of the way, including photos, behind-the-scenes progress, and reflections from the people and communities we work with. This work has been made possible by a WYCA Unlimited Micro Capital Grant thanks to funding by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, supporting projects and venues across West Yorkshire to improve accessibility for disabled artists and audiences. And of course, the Cholavan itself was made possible by the many people who backed it from day one. We’re so grateful for that history and so excited for what comes next!