5 Resources on Access in the Arts
Today we take a look at resources around access in the arts – this can of course range from barriers in physical access for disabled people, to lack of access adapting to visual and audio needs, and of course tackling stereotyped biases. From reports, organisations to initiatives, we have collated a broad range of resources to also get you thinking about different perspectives and points of access in the arts, what this means, and how to incorporate best practice in what you do whether in an events context, within your organisation, and of course, in the everyday:
Attitude is Everything connects Deaf and disabled people with music and event industries to improve access together. Through their work:
• Deaf and disabled people lead the change.
• Industry professionals learn from real-life experience and expertise.
• Barriers are identified and removed.
• Good practice is celebrated and rewarded.
• More Deaf and disabled people play their part in music and event industries.
Time to Act is a research report authored by On the Move (more resources on disability collated by On the Move can be found here), and commissioned by the British Council in the context of Europe Beyond Access. Spanning 42 countries, Time To Act provides the first transnational evidence that lack of knowledge in the mainstream cultural sector is a key barrier preventing disabled artists and arts professionals participating equally in European culture.
Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)
RAMPD's mission is to amplify disability culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility within the Music Industry. Their membership is fast-growing, global community of recording artists, music professionals who identify as a person with a disability, and supportive allies. The network gives access to opportunities and resources, and to be a part of driving inclusion and accessibility. Read more about RAMPD here.
Musicians’ Union: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Musicians’ Union is committed to achieving equality for all musicians, and continues to celebrate the diversity of the music industry and raise awareness of equality issues through the work of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This also includes surveying disabled and deaf musicians about accessibility, and collating resources on workplace rights and access riders.
Disability Arts International is a website and regular digital newsletter developed and coordinated by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. DisabilityArtsInternational.org aims to promote the work of the unique generation of excellent disabled artists, disabled-led companies and inclusive arts organisations. The website aims to share the ways arts organisations are increasing access to the arts for disabled people as audiences and visitors. DisabilityArtsInternational.org also seeks to explore and contrast different cultural policy and funding environments.