formidability

14/08/2026

Opera can be extraordinary.

But too many people are still excluded from making it, performing it and experiencing it.

We want to change that.

We're building a future where disabled artists aren't the exception, accessibility isn't an addition and world-class opera doesn't come with barriers attached.

A future where brilliant artists have the space, support and opportunity to do what they do best.

Make extraordinary work.

That's the future we’re working towards.

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06/08/2026

Impact, for us, isn't just a number.

It's about the people who feel seen.

The formidable artists who get to work at the level they deserve.

The audiences who discover opera in new and meaningful ways.

The opportunities created, the barriers removed, and the belief that accessibility and artistic excellence belong together.

Every number in this carousel represents real people, real experiences and real change.

Since 2019 we've:

Reached 600,000+ people through performances, broadcasts, workshops and digital platforms.

Employed 135+ freelancers across productions, commissions and research & development.

Delivered workshops where 60% of participants self describe as having a disability.

Built a team where 70% identify as disabled, because inclusion isn't something we add later - it's built into how we work.

We're proud of what those numbers represent.

Because every one of them is a person, a story and another step towards changing lives through opera.

05/08/2026

This is formidability.

Today we're proud to introduce a new brand and website that embody everything formidability stands for: world-class opera, accessible by design, and the belief that disability and talent belong together in the mainstream opera sector.

This isn't simply a new logo or colour palette.

It's a clearer expression of who we are, what we stand for, and the future we're working towards.

Welcome to formidability.

Joanne Roughton-Arnold, CEO & Creative Director 💬

"Our new brand reflects our professionalism and our unshakeable conviction that disability and talent go hand in hand. It reflects our belief that professional disability-led work belongs in the mainstream opera sector.

Over the last two years we've relocated to the West Midlands, welcomed 20 affiliate artists, become a registered charity and expanded our board of trustees. This new identity reflects that journey and our ambition for what comes next."



Design & Social: Popgaze Design & Social
Website: Design by Glass
Creative Consultancy: Art Reach

24/07/2026

Support formidability's trailblazing work FOR FREE when you shop online through Easy Fundraising.

You shop, the retailer donates to formidability - there is no cost to you and it doesn't affect the price you pay.

Sign up using the link below.

Alt text: Green image with white text saying Easy Fundraising. Feel good when you shop. Turn cashback from online shopping into free donations. Logos for John Lewis, eBay, Booking.com, Tesco, Argos, Etsy, M&S, Pets at home. Over 8,000+ other retailers.

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21/04/2026

This makes us SO. happy! 🙌👏😍

18/03/2026

Today’s office 😍 A day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a brilliant day of thought provoking conversations at ’s annual summit. Excited to make new connections!

14/03/2026

A joyous away-day of buzzing conversations, strategy, creativity and rainbows led by and Enormous thanks to for hosting us and to for supporting our work.