Just Ask

Launched in partnership with Attitude is Everything in time for Independent Venue Week in 2022, Just Ask is a campaign that aims to make asking about access requirements of artists an industry standard question, in advance of a gig or festival performance – taking the burden away from disabled artists. 

Developed as part of Attitude is Everything’s artist development initiative “Next Stage”, this campaign sets out to help ensure that live music shows are as accessible as possible for acts on the line-up, by equipping promoters to ensure that artists no longer hold the burden of having to bring up their access requirements.

After holding a series of workshops with a flagship group of Independent Venue Week promoters, Attitude is Everything share guidance via open training sessions for promoters, with the aim for all artists to be asked, in advance, if they or their crew members have any access requirements. Musicians in Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage network provided guidance and ideas for how they would like to see promoters and artists work together, breaking down barriers together and improving the industry for the next generation. 

These free, online training sessions, set a standard for how we can work together across the live music industry to meet the access requirements of artists and crew who identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, allowing promoters to learn and discuss how to best support artists with access requirements.

Delivered by Attitude is Everything, who have over 20 years experience of supporting the live music sector, the sessions include disabled fans, professionals and performers. They are a chance to ask any questions, learn new skills and develop accessible practices which you can put in place when engaging with artists. The sessions encourage informal discussion and there is no pressure to ask or say the right things.  

UPCOMING SESSIONS

FROM THE PARTICIPANTS

'Super valuable campaign that I just *wish* more folks were aware of! Even taking the smallest steps to accommodate artists/audience who identify as deaf, disabled and neurodivergent can make a huge difference and really increase a venue's reputation for being awesome. JUST ASK!'
‘It was such a useful session, and a great bite-sized take on improving access in the industry. The information was very digestible which makes it easier to implement improvements immediately. Thank you!’
‘I'd now love to be in further contact about how we make our event offering accessible to as many artists and customers as possible.’
'As an autistic adult working in [the] industry, I think it's vital training to change.'
'It was a really informative session and opened my eyes to some new ways of making artists and attendees more comfortable in our venue.'
'I had basic knowledge and respect for artists and audience members with access requirements and with this a little bit and attending the session with Rich and having Ruth Lyon there has proved there is a lot more WE can do as a community as a whole to make things better. Let's keep going.'
'Was brilliant to listen to lived experiences, and learn how to better support artists and performers with access needs, especially on how we can support young people.'
'The campaign has highlighted the importance for accessibility needs in a venue and the industry, providing information and solutions to change the industry standard.'
'Really informative session with some easy to implement action points for us as a venue.'
'Found the session today to be both very useful and very informative. It was great to be able to discuss the challenges and possible solutions regarding accessibility issues at our venue in an open and friendly environment.'
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FROM THE VENUES & PARTNERS

'This campaign is going to be a hugely positive and beneficial collaboration between promoters and artists, aiming to enrich our future live music landscape. Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage research shows that many artists with access requirements face challenges disclosing their health condition or impairment. We want to take the burden away and enable artists to flourish. It's really exciting to be tackling this in partnership with IVC/IVW and setting a blueprint for the future.'
Rich Legate, Artist Development ManagerAttitude Is Everything
'Disabled artists are often left to fend for themselves without the right support from venues and promoters, by coming together and learning from each other we can make sure that all talent gets the chance to shine in the live music industry.'
Ali Hirsz, Next Stage AmbassadorIdealistics
'Asking about access requirements for artists and crew should be as simple as asking for dietary requirements in riders and common practice. This will have a positive impact on artists and encourage a more inclusive atmosphere for everyone in the music industry.'
Ruth Lyon, Next Stage Ambassador
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