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Bristol
Beacon

Accessibility in Music: An Essential, Not an Option

Hosted by NoteWorthy Access founder YISKA

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A person with a walking stick performs on stage with a band. A circular, orange and grey logo with a stave and musical notes sits in the middle with text that reads

Do you want to find out how to make your venue, event or organisation more accessible? YISKA, founder of NoteWorthy Access, has partnered with us to bring you this one-off event on accessibility in music.

Disability inclusion in music and live events has for too long been an afterthought, seen as “nice-to-have” rather than essential. But the tides are changing: the topic of accessibility is gradually moving to the forefront of our conversations.

In partnership with Bristol Beacon, NoteWorthy Access is on a mission to establish Bristol as the leading UK city for accessibility in music and live events. Lots of us want to do better but don’t know where to start.

This is an opportunity to:

• Find out more about accessibility in music – including how you can create change at your venue, event or organisation.
• Hear real stories and learn from Bristol’s d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, community groups and organisations.
• Network with incredible individuals and be part of the movement to improve access in music.

Presented by Bristol Beacon and NoteWorthy Access

Format: Unreserved seating

Age guidance: 14+ (Under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Doors: 17.30
Start: 18.00
Finish: 20.00

All timings are approximate and subject to change

Please note: This event will take place at the Terrace Bar (L3 in Bridgehouse)

Panel Host

YISKA

YISKA is the Founder and Director of NoteWorthy Access, providing accessibility consultancy services for the arts and culture sector.

YISKA is also a Disabled Artist with over ten years’ experience. Facing significant barriers to achieving success in music, YISKA is on a mission to transform the industry and advance accessibility for both artists and audiences.

More info

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Speakers

Harry (Angharad) Jones

Harry is the Company Director of Accessible Events Ltd and Event Ops Manager at Diverse UK Sensory Spaces. Combining over ten years of experience in assisting and delivering events and festivals in a variety of roles, she is now focusing on merging her professional psychological and disability training with developing accessibility and diversity in the event industry.

Working in collaboration with Attitude is Everything’s Charter for Best Practice she aims to change and deliver a smoother experience to all festival and event customers or staff in relation to accessibility for deaf and disabled and neurodivergent people.

More info

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Ben Price

Ben Price is an Arts Manager, Producer and Disability advocate. He works with a roster of disabled creatives and with the wider industry on representation and improved policies for the disabled workforce. Following a career as a tour manager, Ben began to shift his focus into management after learning of a degenerative eye condition, meaning inevitably in time he would need to come off the road. Harbourside Artist Management was established in 2020 to help bridge the apparent gap between disability arts and pop culture.

Ben sits on the BPI’s EJAG committee, a group of independent music industry professionals who collectively advocate for the progression of the Equality, Diversity and Intersectional agenda across the sector. He is also on the board of Trustees at Attitude is Everything.

More info

A smiling person wearing a navy blue jacket stands in front of a cream backdrop.

Empi

Empi (they/them) is an autistic multidisciplinary artist of Afropean heritage.

After a brief DJ career touring UK festivals, their current work focuses on creating sensory art, healing soundscapes and experimental dance and pop music.

More info

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Cathy Mager

Cathy is a multi-award winning artist, curator celebrated for her powerful public realm artworks that explore new perspectives on heritage, equity and climate change. She recently founded Spectroscope, an international network of artists that create installations that transform public spaces.

Cathy led the heritage programme for Bristol Beacon 2020-24, commissioning the New Song for Bristol project, Convergence, Sound Lounge, Story Wall and two soundscapes by Ngaio Anyia, Danny Pandolfi, Vanessa Kisuule and Amber-Ruth Watson in collaboration with musicians and artists across the city.

More info

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Access information

A red, yellow or green sticker system will be provided for those that wish to engage in conversations (green), those that wish to engage in conversations but do not want to initiate them (yellow), and those that do not wish to engage in conversations (red).

If you have any access questions or requests, please contact access@bristolbeacon.org or yiska@noteworthyaccess.co.uk

The venue

Bridgehouse

at Bristol Beacon

Our foyer space located within Bristol Beacon where we host events, performances and conferences.

Getting to the venue

Location: Bridgehouse is located within Bristol Beacon with entrances on Colston Street and Trenchard Street.

Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

  Bicycle

Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.

Car parking

Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 50m away directly behind Bristol Beacon.

  Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.

  Bus

The city centre bus stop is 250m from Bristol Beacon where most bus services stop.

View detailed travel information

Access

Mobility

Bridgehouse has level access from street level with lifts to all levels. For unallocated seated performances, seats can easily be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Assistance Dogs

Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the venue.

Hearing Facility

There is an induction loop at the box office. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting. There is no hearing loop facility for the foyer stage.

View detailed access information

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