Attitude is Everything has launched its new online Live Events Access Charter.
Since its foundation in 2000, the charity has strived to connect disabled people with the music and live event industries in order to improve access for disabled artists, fans and music professionals.
During that time, Attitude is Everything has delivered training to more than 10,000 creative professionals, worked in partnership with over 200 festivals and venues, and supported thousands of volunteers.
The Charter, which was also introduced 25 years ago, has been crucial to Attitude is Everything’s work in encouraging music venues and festivals to incorporate disability equality into all aspects of their productions. The charity also supports disabled ‘Mystery Shoppers’, who provide constructive feedback and encourage further change.
Last night (12 February) saw the launch of the newly updated Charter, which was unveiled during a celebratory event at London’s Sinfonia Smith Square. PRS for Music were among the sponsors of the event alongside LIVE, PPL, Halo and the MPA.
While the new Charter will ‘retain its core DNA’, Attitude is Everything say that it will ‘now operate as a comprehensive and dynamic online learning platform, offering Charter members access to user-friendly and accessible resources, templates and guidance’.
Reflecting the recent expansion of Attitude is Everything’s activities — including the Next Stage Artist Network and Beyond The Music programmes — the Charter will now ‘actively ensure that access intersects with sustainability, community building and the experiences of artists and professionals’.
You can find out more about the Live Events Access Charter and how to sign up here.
Paul Hawkins, Interim Managing Director of Attitude is Everything, said in a statement: ‘I’m really excited that we’re presenting a new Charter that integrates our learning around improving access for artists and professionals, our learnings around environmental responsibility, and that attempts to embed an inclusive culture through everything we do. We’re confident our relaunched Charter will give greater transparency to venues and audiences, and give them greater opportunities to learn new practices and demonstrate tangible change.'
John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs Officer at PRS for Music, added: ‘At PRS for Music we know the power and importance of advocacy in securing a fairer and more representative music industry. We are delighted to continue our support for Attitude is Everything, this time with the launch of their Live Events Access Charter which celebrates venues and festivals demonstrating a commitment to greater inclusivity.
‘By removing barriers to access in the live music sector we can make concerts and festivals accessible and welcoming to all.’
Last night’s launch event also saw the introduction of four new Live Events Access Charter Awards, recognising 'innovation, creativity and a commitment to making live events more inclusive'.
The recipients were:
- Metronome - Impact Award: 'recognising how the Nottingham venue’s staff go above and beyond to ensure all customers are welcome, and also support upcoming artists and students with hands-on experience'.
- Victorious Festival - Operations Award: 'recognising their commitment to creative solutions to accessibility, including the transformation of the Waterfront Garden Centre, a unique partnership and community space'.
- Lytham Festival - Production Award: 'recognising their comprehensive and thoughtful access measures including a drinks service for access customers, accessible luxury trailers and lowered bars'.
- Mark Schofield - Outward Voice Award: 'for his enthusiasm and contributions as a Mystery Shopper'.
