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A new planned UK-wide access scheme is set to be introduced, aiming to improve the experience of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people attending creative and cultural events.
‘All In’ is a partnership between Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Wales and Creative Scotland, and follows on from the success of Hynt in Wales, an access scheme for theatres and arts centres.
The new brand name is accompanied by a new website, which will keep creative and cultural organisations informed on developments planned for 2024 for disabled audience members. The website also features a support directory for organisations to look up accessibility consultants, freelancers and organisations across the UK.
All In is aiming to remove further barriers for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people when it comes to cultural experiences, and will look at ways to make it easier when booking tickets by improving the ways in which access requirements are shared. The scheme will also provide training and learning support to help venues meet accessibility standards and attract new audiences.
The switch-up follows the publishing of an impact report on Hynt, funded by Arts Council England, which demonstrated 10 years of increased accessibility for cultural events in Wales.
Published yesterday (Monday), the report found that more than three quarters of cardholders felt being part of Hynt improved their access to culture, while 68% of Hynt cardholders felt it improved their physical access to events. Just under 72% wanted to use their Hynt card outside of Wales, laying the foundation for an improved UK-wide scheme.
“We are really pleased to see the new All In Website go live today,” said Louise Miles-Payne, director Creu Cymru (Hynt management). “The success of Hynt in Wales has seen increased access to the arts and more theatres putting the needs of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people at the forefront of their operations. All In will make it easier for audiences to travel and experience the creativity and culture the UK has to offer.”
Andrew Miller MBE, UK Arts Access champion for All In, added: “Back in 2014 I witnessed the success of Hynt first hand as director of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama venues, making the lives of our disabled audiences and our box office staff so much easier.
“Now I want All In to fundamentally improve the experience of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people attending arts and cultural events across the UK through barrier removal, making it easier to book tickets and to offer consistency. Because buying a ticket shouldn’t be a performance.”
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