Venues and event organizers will be supported to become more accessible to disabled artists and audiences as part of a scheme launched by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The first accessibility session, hosted by Wakefield-based disability-led organization Unlimited, was held in Halifax today and participants learned about the basics of disability equality, how to make venues and events accessible, artists with disabilities and I learned how to support the audience.
The scheme provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ for support and guidance, with grants of up to £10,000 also available to help make cultural venues more accessible.
read more:
This is the first scheme to be rolled out as part of West Yorkshire Mayor Tracey Brabin’s £2.3m You Can Make It Here programme, which will support the region’s creative sector through a range of training and investment opportunities. , is intended to grow.
Further initiatives will be launched in the coming months, including business and skills training to support freelancers, support for creative companies to expand their exports, and a music sector network to boost local activity.
Opportunities for young people from disadvantaged groups to break barriers and secure employment in TV and film production jobs will also be introduced through the extension of support for the Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme, run by Screen Yorkshire.
“Anyone can access it”
Mr Brabin said his authority “has a mission” to ensure West Yorkshire’s culture is accessible to everyone.
“This initial investment is just the beginning,” she said.
“Everything we roll out over the coming months will provide creative businesses, freelancers, venues and more with the support they need to unlock their potential.
“Because devolution has given us the freedom to make the most of our strengths, we are building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for everyone.”
Joe Velent, director of Unlimited, said: “We are delighted to announce this bespoke training, alongside small capital grants to support and empower arts organizations and people organizing arts events across Bradford. We are excited to be able to offer our advice, guidance program to Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
“We exist to support and commission artists with disabilities and create change across the field.
“So we’re thrilled that this work is taking place in our home north, and that we can really make a difference that will have a lasting impact on disabled artists and disabled-led work.”