Catch 22

Date Added / Last Changed: Thursday 23rd July 2009

ADAPT’s audience development initiative ‘Catch22’ has attracted the interest of over 100 potential participants who expressed an interest in attending 14 arts, film, music, theatre, heritage, literary and comedy events in Belfast and Derry.

From March to July, the series of events and focus group sessions were hosted by 10 arts and cultural venues. Volunteer participants brought their unique, individual contribution to the process of enhancing the involvement of disabled people as audience members. The focus groups were an opportunity for both venue staff and volunteers to openly discuss concerns over physical and attitudinal barriers. At the same time the venue staff provided an insight in the facilities offered by the venue and the volunteers shared their expertise in finding solution to improve accessibility to facilities and services.

ADAPT are encouraging everyone, including those keen but unable to attend events, to continue to take the lead in this process of change.

If you have a passion for arts and want to help improve access to venues, stay in touch via our online Discussion Forum: Talk online to “Patti” (Participatory Arts Think Tank on Inclusion) the new virtual member of the ADAPT Team.

“Patti” will use your comments and messages posted on the forum to open up the debate on access and disability equality in local arts venues, or simply to keep up the momentum for audience development. “Patti” will provide a voice for people who are committed to building equality and inclusion to interact, discuss and share ideas that will encourage and support cultural, arts and leisure venues to improve facilities and services for disabled people!

At the same time as contributing to these discussions by giving first hand feedback on your thoughts and ideas, use “Patti” for social networking with user led social groups, to channel your commitment for equality and to continue to meet up and attend arts events.

Take a few minutes to follow the link from the homepage to Patti\'s Forum!