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Welcome to EpiArts Alliance!
Disney World 2026
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Disney World 2026 〰️
In The News
Our Mission
At EpiArts Alliance, our mission is to make living with epilepsy easier, safer, and more inclusive through the power of collaboration, creativity, and advocacy.
We believe that people with epilepsy should have access to opportunities, resources, and communities that empower them to thrive—not just in the arts, but in everyday life. Through innovative projects, education, and awareness initiatives, we bring together professionals, advocates, artists, researchers, and industry leaders to address real challenges faced by the epilepsy community.
Our approach is simple: one project at a time.
Each EpiArts initiative is designed to solve a specific problem, improve accessibility, or create meaningful change. By connecting experts from different fields, developing practical solutions, and launching impactful programs, we strive to create a lasting difference for individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
At our core, we are building more than projects—we are building a community. A community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their passions without limitations.
What We Do
Develop innovative projects that improve accessibility and quality of life for people with epilepsy
Bring together professionals, advocates, and creatives to create meaningful solutions
Educate communities and industries about epilepsy and photosensitivity
Promote inclusion and accessibility throughout the arts and beyond
Foster connection, support, and belonging within the epilepsy community
Our vision is a future where epilepsy never limits creativity, opportunity, safety, or belonging—and where meaningful change is created one project at a time.
EpiArts Alliance began with a simple dream—and a fight for belonging. When Anzli was 13, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. After years of fighting for her place in the dance world, she was called a liability at a competition. That moment changed everything. Alongside her mother, Heather McNew, a fierce advocate, Anzli decided that enough was enough. No child should be dismissed or feel like a liability just because of epilepsy.
Our mission is to ensure that no one has to choose between their passion for the arts and their safety. EpiArts Alliance stands for inclusion, advocacy, and a creative world where epilepsy is never a stop sign.
Our Story
Meet our Co-Founders
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Anzli Mia
CO-FOUNDER
PERFORMER
EPI-ARTIST
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Heather McNew
CO-FOUNDER
CHOREOGRAPHER
ADVOCATE
Our Projects:
“FlashCueProject was EpiArts Alliance’s first major research initiative. Created through collaborations between lighting designers, researchers, and accessibility advocates, FlashCue provides audiences with detailed flashing-light cue information and helps the performing arts industry create safer, more inclusive experiences for people with photosensitivity and epilepsy.”
It's All Your Fault, Tyler Price! is a musical that follows a middle school student who takes a stand against bullying while navigating the impact it has on his family, including his sister who lives with epilepsy. The show focuses on empathy, advocacy, and the importance of understanding and inclusion. EpiArts Alliance supported the production through its FlashCue Project and by consulting on photosensitive epilepsy, helping guide safer lighting and accessibility practices from the start of development.
EpiArts Alliance is currently in the process of building something new. It’s still unfolding behind the scenes, shaped slowly and intentionally. While it’s not ready to be revealed, every step forward is bringing it closer to life. Stay tuned.
More Projects Coming!
Resources for Lighting Designers & Photosensitive Audience Members
“Theatre Lighting for Photosensitivity” Training
hosted by United Scenic Artists USA829
& EpiArts Alliance / FlashCue Project
FlashCue: A Research Initiative That Emerged from EpiArts
EpiArts Alliance convened early community conversations exploring a critical question:
When and how are flashing lights used in theatrical productions — and how can audiences with photosensitivity be better informed?
Those discussions brought together leaders in lighting design and photosensitivity research, including Tony Award–winning lighting designer Don Holder, vision scientist and author of Visual Stress Arnold Wilkins, lighting designer Barbara Samuels, researcher Laura South, accessibility advocate Paul Behrhorst, director Kristin Hanggi, and composer Ben Decter.
From these early EpiArts-hosted discussions, the FlashCue Project emerged as an initial research initiative.
FlashCue has since developed into an independent, research-based accessibility resource led by Nicole Hughes as Founding Contributor and Research Director. The project documents flashing-light cue data, advances photosensitivity education, and supports lighting designers, producers, venues, and audiences through research and professional training.
We are proud that FlashCue began within the EpiArts Alliance community and has grown into a standalone research initiative expanding its impact across the performing arts industry.
Join the EpiArts Community.
Are you an artist living with epilepsy?
An ally who wants to support accessibility in the arts?
A theatre, production company, or arts organization seeking guidance on photosensitivity and interested in current and future EpiArts projects — including work that has grown from our community conversations, like FlashCue?
Tell us more below!