what is hynt?
Hynt is a new national access scheme that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with an impairment or specific access requirement, and their Carers or Personal Assistants. This site will tell you all you need to know about Hynt: who it’s for; what it provides; and how to become a member.
If you need support or assistance to attend a performance at a theatre or arts centre then you may be eligible to join hynt.
Each year we hold a symposium for our venue staff and other professionals working in the sector.
10 Years of Progress: an Open Letter
An open letter of support from the Audience Access Alliance to our colleagues across the cultural, sports, heritage andtourism sectors on the 10th anniversary of the Equality Act coming into force.
Since March, we have been horrified to witness the immense impact COVI-19 has had on the talented and committed professionals we are honoured to work alongside. We extend our full solidarity to everyone fighting for survival as we enter more months of uncertainty and delay.
Today we should be marking the tenth anniversary of the Equality Act coming into force, and the positive impact this legislation, our support and your good practice has had on the lives of millions of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, be they weekly gig-goers, loyal festival campers, fanatical sports fans, passionate art lovers, committed theatregoers, inquisitive heritage explorers or UK 'staycationers'. By working together, we have seen continued growth in participation over the past 10 years.
'Deaf and disabled people' are a vast and diverse group in the UK - 14.1 million (1 in 5 people) people. The total spending power of families including at least one disabled person is estimated at £274 billion a year.
In 2019/20, 76% of Deaf and disabled people engaged with the arts (vs 77% of non-disabled people), closing the estimated 9% gap in engagement recorded in 2008/09. Narrowing of participation gaps have also been seen across heritage, museums and galeries. Deaf and disabled people made up 12% of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation audiences in 2018/19.
COVID-19 is deeply affecting all of us at a personal level. Deaf and disabled people are amongst the groups most impacted, with 2.2 million people told to shield and millions more having to take extra precautions due to existing and newly acquired COVD-19 related access requirements and health conditions. Not every disabled person is medically 'vulnerable' to COVID-19, but our deep concern is that all disabled people will be impacted if COVID-19 erodes the growth in accessible choices we have worked so hard to secure.
Evidence shows that there is a huge desire to participate in inclusive online events and return to in-person activities such as gigs, exhibitions and football matches when COVID-19 rules allow as long as they are accessible and come with the necessary online information and safety interventions. Many disabled people will be first through the door if this is the case. Excellent work is already being done by many of our partners across all sectors to cater to this demand.
That's why we as members of the Audience Access Alliance are working hard to support government guidance and the sectors we care so deeply about in every way that we can. Most recently, some of us contributed to the publication of the essential Seven Inclusive Principles for Arts & Cultural Organisations working safely through COVID-19. We can connect you with Deaf and disabled audiences, ensure that the gains we have jointly made are not lost, and help secure the widest possible audiences to support you in the difficult times ahead.
With so much progress made, we want to work together whenever we can to ensure that your businesses and organisations can continue to play a vital part in making the vibrant cultural life of the UK accessible.
If we want to 'build back better', it's vital that we build back for all.
Download the press release and open letter, including additional audience insight data and resource links.
BSL video coming soon.
Audience Access Alliance Founding Members:
Attitude is Everything, Disability Collaborative Network (DCN), Euan's Guide, Hynt, Performance Interpreting, Shape Arts, Signed Culture, Stagetext, Stay Up Late, The Access Card, Transport for All, VocalEyes, Andrew Miller - UK Disability Sector Champion for Arts and Culture, and Heather Smith - UK Disability Sector Champion for Countryside and Heritage.
information for groups become a member
