The key aim of the scheme is to promote inclusivity, and to ensure equality of access to arts and cultural events for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors. The scheme will be free at the point of use and include listings, routes to online booking and companion ticket offers, industry backed standards for venues, and training and development for the sector. The initiative will build upon existing schemes such as the hugely successful HYNT scheme in Wales – an initiative of the Arts Council of Wales, managed on their behalf by Creu Cymru. HYNT is a cardholder scheme that promises a consistent offer at member venues in Wales.
Arts Council of Wales along with Creative Scotland, Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Film Institute (BFI) have been working in partnership to consider how such a UK-wide scheme can be created, including commissioning research and feasibility studies. This work was informed by the views of D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people and the wider creative and cultural sector. An advisory group has been established made up of 14 D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people from across the UK which is independently chaired by Sam Tatlow MBE, Creative Diversity Partner at ITV.
The UK Arts Access Champion will play a key role, using knowledge, expertise and lived experience to act as an advocate with external stakeholders, and be a critical friend to the partnership as we work to research develop and deliver the scheme, and we are thrilled that Andrew Miller has joined us on this journey.
Andrew Miller said:
“I’m delighted to have been invited to assist the Arts Council of Wales and its UK partners to deliver this important and exciting project. The UK-wide arts access scheme offers a transformational opportunity to improve access and quality of experience for disabled audiences as well as to further remove existing barriers to culture. I can’t wait to get started.”
Who is Andrew Miller?
Andrew Miller MBE is a cultural consultant and commentator, recognised as one of the most influential disability advocates in the UK. His distinguished career has included periods as a broadcaster, tv programme maker, arts funder, venue director and disability campaigner. In 2020 he co-founded the UK Disability Arts Alliance, #WeShallNotBeRemoved to support disabled artists through the pandemic and he co-authored the Seven Inclusive Principles that helped shape the cultural recovery. His current portfolio of roles includes: Creative Director of Trinity College Oxford, Chair, BFI Disability Screen Advisory Group, advisor to the Museums Strategic Disability Network, trustee of the RSC and BAFTA. Andrew was the UK Government’s first Disability Champion for Arts & Culture and his pioneering contribution to the arts and broadcasting has been recognised by the National Diversity Awards, The Stage 100, the 2021 New Year Honours, The Stage Awards and he is currently listed in The Shaw Trust Disability Power100 Top 10.