The artistic director of a leading Liverpool-based disability and deaf arts organisation has spoken of her pride after being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2016 official birthday honours list.

Anfield-born Ruth Gould has received the prestigious distinction in recognition of her career in disability and deaf arts alongside her work at DaDaFest.

Working from the lived experience of disability, DaDaFest produces a festival and other arts events to promote high quality disability and deaf arts from unique cultural perspectives.

Ruth, herself born deaf, has been the “indomitable force” behind DaDaFest, according to Jane Cordell, chair of the board at the organisation, which has developed an international reputation for showing how “quality deaf and disability arts” can help “change perceptions and lives”.

Speaking on the announcement, Ruth says: “I am so honoured to be acknowledged with an MBE, for doing the work I value and feel immensely proud and passionate about.

“It has been a pleasure to develop links from our base in Liverpool and I thank all of those people who have been part of the disability and deaf arts story.

“I especially want to honour the many artists and activists who are no longer with us, to remember their work and the impact they had to change lives through the lived experience of disability.

“Without them I would not be receiving this award, and I thank them for enriching, encouraging and presenting their work and beauty.”

DaDaFest2016 will run from 18 November to 3 December.

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