Music charity Attitude Is Everything has issued an industry-wide call for nominations after unveiling details of the Outstanding Attitude Awards.
The awards, which will take place at Islington Assembly Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 12, have been set up to recognises businesses and organisations who have positively impacted the experiences of Deaf and disabled music audiences.
Launched in 2016, when winners included Nozstock, Reading Festival, Just So Festival, The Albany, Bristol’s Colston Hall and the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, the event will mark the first time the awards have had their own dedicated ceremony.
Suzanne Bull MBE (pictured), CEO of Attitude Is Everything, said: “Having trialled the concept in 2016, I am delighted Attitude is Everything can now present a standalone event that celebrates the best in UK live music access innovation. From DIY events to companies at the cutting edge of ticketing technology, we want to bring the live music world together to shine a light on all of the ways live music can be made more inclusive for Deaf and disabled music fans.
"By recognising what is possible at every level, we will demonstrate how the UK is a global leader when it comes to live music accessibility, and hope to encourage the industry to take further positive action. If you are working to break down barriers and include Deaf and disabled music fans, this is your chance to shout about it!”
Live music businesses are being encouraged to nominate themselves here. Applications must be received by December 21, after which they will be shortlisted and judged by industry experts, artists and fans. Categories are listed below.
Minister for the creative industries, Margot James, said: "Everyone should be able to access and enjoy our fantastic live music scene and inclusivity should be at the forefront of promoters, event organisers and music venues' plans. Attitude Is Everything’s Outstanding Attitude Awards is a fantastic initiative which complements DCMS's commitment that arts and culture should be accessible for all."
One of the awards has been named after former trustee Nigel McCune, who died earlier this year.
Bull added: “Nigel McCune was absolutely instrumental in setting up Attitude Is Everything, becoming one of the first members of the project’s steering group, and then going on to become one of the charity’s first Trustees and Board Officers. His loss earlier this year hit us all incredibly hard.
"We know Nigel would have loved the spirit of the Outstanding Attitude Awards and particularly our support of the creative grassroots industry and DIY scenes, which is why we’ve dedicated the DIY Access Award to his memory.”
The 10 awards categories are:
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The Nigel McCune DIY Access Award
Recognising venues, bands, artists and promoters who have taken a DIY approach to improving live music accessibility, including using Attitude is Everything’s DIY Access Guide.
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The Access Starts Online Awards
Three awards recognising venues under 500 capacity, venues over 500 capacity, and outdoor events that provide high quality and comprehensive online access information for Deaf and disabled audiences.
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The Ticketing Without Barriers Awards
Two awards recognising venues, events, ticketing and tech companies that have worked to improve the access booking experience for Deaf and disabled customers.
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The Tech Innovation Award
Recognising companies that have utilised technology to make live music more accessible and inclusive for Deaf and disabled audiences.
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The Big Ambition Award
Recognising larger venues and events that are pushing forward the definition of what is possible when it comes to improving access and live music.
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The Customer Focus Award
Recognising examples of excellent customer service and/or consultation when it comes to welcoming and engaging with Deaf and disabled audiences.
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The Accessible Infrastructure Award
Recognising excellent examples of access infrastructure implementation, such as viewing platforms, accessible toilets, showers and ‘High Dependency Units’.
