From left to right: Tim Porter, Tweed & Co, Ken McDougall, Stirling Festival Theatre, Pina D'Intino, Aequum Global Access Inc., David Wysocki, Aequum Global Access Inc., Janet Jarrell, Executive Director, Quinte Arts Council / Submitted.
The Quinte Art Council has released the following notice this week.
Quinte Arts Council Launches Groundbreaking Pilot Project Prioritizing Universal Accessibility in Live Performances
The Quinte Arts Council (QAC), in collaboration with key regional partners, is proud to announce the launch of a two-year pilot project aimed at transforming the accessibility of live performances for individuals with disabilities or accommodation requirements. This project, set to run from January 2025 through December 2026, will prioritize universal accessibility, placing people with disabilities at the center of the creative process and production. This project is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Universal Accessibility: A Vision for Inclusion
This innovative initiative seeks to dismantle barriers that have traditionally excluded individuals with disabilities from fully participating in the cultural sector. By collaborating closely with disability rights advocates and local disabled communities, the project aims to develop and stage accessible live performances while creating a comprehensive framework for communication, marketing, ticketing, and venue accessibility. The project will foster shared learning among participating arts organizations and accessibility professionals to improve organizational practices and creative processes.
“As the arts community continues to evolve, it is imperative that we create spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage, enjoy, and participate fully. This project represents a significant step toward building a truly inclusive arts community,” said Janet Jarrell, Executive Director of the QAC. “We are committed to ensuring that the arts are accessible to all, and that accessibility becomes a core part of our creative and organizational culture. This pilot project is a great step in achieving our goals.”
Collaboration with Accessibility Advocates and Local Communities
In partnership with organizations such as Tweed & Company Theatre, Stirling Festival Theatre, and the City of Belleville’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, the project will draw on expertise from disability rights advocates, accessibility professionals, and local disabled individuals to ensure that each performance and its associated processes are informed by the lived experiences of disabled community members. Additionally, local arts organizations and theatres including Theatre in the Wings and SignAble Vi5ion, will be involved in the process. The team will be working with consultants from Aequum Global Access Inc., who will provide training, audits, support, and evaluations. This collaborative approach aligns with the principles of “nothing for us without us,” ensuring that the voices and needs of disabled individuals are at the forefront of every decision.
Impact on the Arts Sector and Disabled Communities
The project will significantly enhance the arts sector’s ability to provide accessible programming, ensuring that disabled audience members can engage in and enjoy performances without barriers. A key component of the project will be tracking the attendance and engagement of disabled audiences and gathering feedback to refine accessibility efforts moving forward.
For arts organizations, the project will provide valuable insights and resources for integrating best practices in accessibility, helping them to better understand the needs of disabled patrons and deliver more inclusive programming.
For the local disabled community, this project will provide increased access to cultural events that reflect their needs and interests, leading to greater participation and a more inclusive cultural experience.
About Quinte Arts Council (QAC)
Founded in 1967, the Quinte Arts Council is a leading arts organization in the Quinte region, dedicated to advancing, cultivating, promoting, and advocating for a vibrant and diverse arts community. As an umbrella organization representing all artistic disciplines, QAC works to ensure that the arts are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all people, regardless of their background or ability. The QAC believes that the arts are for everyone, and works to foster a community where all voices and perspectives are heard.
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