A new information service has been launched in key arts organisations in Gloucestershire, making it easier for people to find out about the wide range of top class events and services on offer.
ACCESS ARTS is a pioneering scheme, which aims to increase awareness of the facilities and opportunities available for disabled people within the arts in Gloucestershire.
The scheme has been launched with a user-friendly and practical website: www.accessarts.org.uk set up part of a unique county-wide initiative by leading arts venues. The site offers up to date information about access and events and users can interact with organisations to share ideas and opinions on current issues and future projects. The launch has been backed up with printed material for those unable to access the Internet.
The first phase forms part of an ongoing commitmnt amongst Gloucestershire's arts providers to iproving services for many disabled people living in or visiting Gloucestershire.
Venues involved in the project are The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham Festivals and Entertainment, Cinderford Artspace, The Everyman Theatre, Gloucestershire Guildhall, Holst Birthplace Museum, Nature in Art and The Roses Theatre.
The initiative was made possible by a special grant from South West Arts and the ACCESS ARTS website has been developed with support from Webnatism. Equata, the regional agency for Disability Equality and Access Training in the Arts provided specific expertise and guidance.
ACCESS ARTS grew out of a particular concern amongst arts organisations in Gloucestershire to improve their communication with members of the disabled community to ensure that the facilities and services they offer are effectively promoted and that all sectors of the community have equality of opportunity to attend arts events.
SWAM and Equata have worked together to facilitate this collaborative initiative which combines issue-related training, action research and test drive campaigns. The project will alos provide a long lasting resource for participating organisations in the form of shared communication channels, a joint database and a clear understanding of best practice.
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