The Art House and National Coal Mining Museum recipients of new regional accessibility fund
Disabled artists and audiences are set to benefit from new investment to improve accessibility in creative and cultural venues across Wakefield, and the wider region.
The Art House and the National Coal Mining Museum are two of 17 West Yorkshire organisations that have been awarded a share of £230,000 to deliver practical accessibility improvements, that include accessible signage, ramps, doors and toilets.
With the money, The Art House will install smart doors and sensory-friendly lift upgrades to ensure independent, safe access throughout the building for disabled users.
On the other hand, the National Coal Mining Museum will upgrade accessible toilet facilities into a ‘Space to Change’ to better serve disabled visitors.
The successful recipients were selected by two panels of West Yorkshire-based, disabled creative professionals, who used their lived experience to identify improvements that would have the greatest impact for disabled artists, audiences and participants.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Everyone should be able to access West Yorkshire’s world-class culture and creativity.
“The funding awarded today will help break down barriers for disabled people, enabling venues to open their doors to more artists and audiences.
“By transforming spaces in this way, we’re helping businesses and creatives thrive in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The funding forms part of a wider accessibility programme run by disabled-led organisation Unlimited and is funded through West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin’s £4.2 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, designed to support and grow the region’s creative sector.
Alongside the grants, the accessibility programme offers training, guidance and ongoing support to help cultural organisations improve disability equality and create more inclusive experiences for disabled artists, audiences and participants.
Now, third round of grants to support accessibility improvements has officially opened, with a deadline of January 28.
Jo Verrent, Director at Unlimited, said: “True access goes beyond physical changes – it's about understanding, confidence and culture.
"This programme supports organisations to make meaningful, lasting improvements, shaped by disabled people's lived experience. We've seen incredible progress from the first two rounds, but so many more venues could benefit.
“If you're running a cultural venue or community space in West Yorkshire and ready to make real changes for disabled artists and audiences, submit a simple expression of interest by 28 January.”
For more information and the source, visit: The Art House and National Coal Mining Museum recipients of new regional accessibility fund