Leeds-based charity, Made with Music, has won an Outstanding Attitude Award this week for their programme of Mini-Gigs. The awards - run by the charity Attitude is Everything- celebrate excellence and innovation in live music accessibility. Made with Music won the Nigel McCune DIY Access Award in memory of one of Attitude is Everything’s first Trustees and Board Officers.
Made with Music is a charity that aims to open up access to music for families and young people, and is led by Hannah Dilworth and Kathryn Sturman. They have been established since 2012 and run sessions and events across Leeds and further afield.
Made with Music Mini-Gigs were supported by Leeds Inspired and designed in partnership with live music venue Brudenell Social Club as well as a user group which included families and young people. The events have been designed to be as inclusive for families which include a disabled family member - both children and parents. Their events include easy read picture guides and video walk-throughs, a range of seating including beanbags and mats, Makaton signing, sound and lighting adjustments, and multi-sensory activities including a tactile treasure hunt and an unplugged mixing desk to play with.
Three events have already taken place, and the charity already has plans for three more events - including the next event on Sunday 30th June. For the events to continue to be fully accessible, they need to raise money to hire a Changing Places trailer for each gig now the support from Leeds Inspired has ended, so they have left time to do this before the next three gigs take place.
Hannah Dilworth and Kathryn Sturman from Made with Music attended the awards event at Islington Assembly Rooms on Tuesday 12thMarch and on receiving the award commented:
‘This is so exciting and completely unexpected! We hope that our Mini-Gigs are encouraging the next generation of music lovers and performers to expect excellent access as standard and to understand the importance of it. We owe a massive thank you to our family focus group, our volunteers, all the musicians who have played and the families who have attended and given us feedback. And we are so grateful to Leeds Inspired, the Brudenell Social Club and Music Producer Ed Heaton who supported us to set up these events’
Suzanne Bull MBE, CEO of Attitude is Everything, comments:
“Deaf and disabled people represent some of the UK’s most passionate music fans. Millions of us attend live music events, and millions more would like to. We are a significant part of the music community. Our winners represent some shining examples of how the live music business is responding to this demand. I would like to congratulate all of them, and all of our nominees, not only for the brilliant work that they’ve been doing but also for the inspiration they can offer to others. The Outstanding Attitude Awards is proof that everyone in live music, from the biggest festival to the smallest venue can step up and make a change.”
Lisa Palmer, keynote speaker, Attitude is Everything volunteer and autism advocate, said:
"Disabled people are being listened to, becoming influencers, and a part of the industry. The impact of making events inclusive cannot be overestimated. It truly is making a difference”
Notes
Made with Music is a Leeds-based charity providing a range of accessible and educational live music experiences for families and young people. They work with hospitals, nurseries, community groups, support groups, parents and children to design and deliver fun activities and workshops encouraging a love of live music.
Attitude is Everything is a disability-led charity with 18 years of experience supporting non-profit and commercial organisations to make what they do more accessible and inclusive for Deaf and disabled people. Their core work is centred on their status as an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation for the live music industry, working in partnership with audiences, artists and the industry to improve Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music.