This roundtable underpins our ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the keynote speaker was Andrew Miller MBE, who is recognised as one of the UK’s most influential disability advocates with extensive experience of the arts, film and tv sectors and works with leading cultural brands to improve access and to create new opportunities for disabled people.

Chaired by CLOA’s EDI Champion Zsuzsi Lindsay, it also featured four case studies that demonstrate how CLOA members are embedding inclusion through co-creation with disabled people and inclusive marketing & communication to ensure accessibility and representation.

You can watch a recording of the webinar here (1 hour 28 mins) and read the transcript of the event here.

Presentations

Andrew Miller MBE set the context for the session with a keynote address that reflected on the challenges and changes experienced working in the creative industries over the years. Improving accessibility and removing barriers through All In – the new access scheme for creativity and culture. Presentation here and speaker notes here.

Robyn Goldsmith, Culture Development Manager, Medway Council and Beth James, Square Peg Arts talked about the Creative Medway Accessibility Pledge. This is a community-led initiative that supports venues and event organisers to improve access for people who are Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or living with long-term conditions. Presentation here.

Gemma Clarke, Sector Specialist (Elsecar Bridging Project) shared how Barnsley Museums has developed a sensory tour of Elsecar Heritage Centre in collaboration with the Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association to provide an immersive and inclusive experience for individuals with visual impairments. Presentation here and speaker notes here.

Hannah Kilburn, Programming & Audience Development Manager, Wakefield Council, highlighted ‘Our Year’ – a yearlong celebration of culture and community that saw the design marketing, communication and engagement activity reach previously underserved audiences and tackle barriers to participation.

Angie Farrance, Senior Policy Officer, London Borough of Culture London’s gave a presentation on the Liberty festival, which celebrates D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and how the vision is guided by the Liberty Advisory Group. Speaker notes here.