“I Am a Professional Dancer”, The Case of Professionalization in Disability Arts

The demand for professional recognition for artists with disability is growing. There is little research, however, on the ways in which disability arts are associated with professionalism. This study examines professionalization in disability arts by comparing it with the concept of professionalization in the arts generally. It identifies three components of professionalization in disability arts by means of a case study of an inclusive arts organization. This qualitative study entails 17 semi-structured interviews with artists, staff members, and other stakeholders both with and without disabilities. The results identify both commonalities and differences in the components of professionalization between artists with and without disability and indicate challenges to be met in improving public perceptions toward the professionalization of artists with disability.