Attitude Is Everything is publishing a new DIY Access Guide aimed at artists and promoters to show how to make gigs and tours more accessible for deaf and disabled audiences.
The live music accessibility charity has provided advice on how to set up an accessible seated viewing area; how to make your own DIY captions for lyrics; information to include on online event page; how to make an accessible flyer and what you can do with shows at an inaccessible venue
The publication, made possible by PRS Foundation and Arts Council England funding, will be launched at Manchester’s Off The Record multi-venue live music event and conference on November 10, with a panel discussion titled Break Down Barriers, We Will Come.
The panel will feature Attitude Is Everything CEO Suzanne Bull MBE, music blogger Hannah McKearnen, Revenge of Calculon’s Rob Maddison and Richard Phoenix from the band Sauna Youth and Constant Flux - a community interest group who promote punk shows by learning disabled musicians.
Bull (pictured) said: “Attitude Is Everything has ambitions to make all live music events as inclusive as possible - and particularly those promoted at small grassroots venues. Even what appear relatively minor changes can make a big difference in practice.
“That’s the reason we’ve put together this easy-to-use guide. Nobody should cut off from their local music scene - whether that’s the millions of disabled people who want to attend gigs and shows, or Deaf and disabled artists who are looking to perform. By following our simple advice, promoters and artists can help make live music so much more accessible, and attract a whole new audience into the bargain.”
The guide can be downloaded for free here, with print copies also available.
