Hynt Symposium 2025

This time last week we were at the Hynt Symposium in Venue Cymru, Llandudno - a key moment in the Hynt calendar for platforming projects, building networks and supporting the performing arts sector in Wales to improve access and disability equity in our venues and organisations.

Craidd’s Sian Wootton shared updates on the Wales wide project, with a focus on access in production at Theatr Clwyd. We’re all looking forward to the upcoming tour of Under Milk Wood.

Louise Ralph and Tafsila Khan from Taking Flight Theatre Company shared insights from the Breaking the Box/ Torri'r Bocs project, legacy, and key outcomes. Paid opportunities, networking, and supporting alternative routes into the sector can and have seen more Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent embark on careers on and off stage.

Gig Buddies Cymru’s Mark Jones shared a poem and the difference Gig Buddies has made to him. Sian Lloyd-Davies, John Butterly and Natalie Jones also joined us from Learning Disability Wales | Anabledd Dysgu Cymru team.  

Andrew Miller, UK Arts Access Champion set the scene via video for an All In session. Technical lead Phil Lofthouse gave a first look at the system from a subscriber perspective and introduced the standards. I shared the Wales context and gateway organisation news. We had some great conversations from the floor around language.

Unlimited Director Jo Verrent spoke via video on their Nothing for Nothing campaign and anti-exploitation pledge. This linked well with earlier discussion of paid roles for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent posts created as part of projects. Coming together in person highlights ways to join forces as changemakers.

Eloise Tong, Hijinx Theatre CEO and Lucy White, Hijinx actor, brought fabulous energy to the room, co-presenting on helping organisations be more inclusive with Beyond Words, inclusive communication skills training for the events sector, and Creative Enabler training. Watch Hijinx socials for a new course coming in 2026.

I shared some Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales data on year one with Hynt, from Kirsty Alexander, CRM & Data Manager. Over 160 tickets issued, with 55% of Hynt cardholders as first-time bookers.

If you joined us, please feedback: https://forms.gle/a5LfGPvF3cv3cfSAA

As a national scheme, it’s vital to invite members to visit other venues and to hear from a range of speakers, especially those with lived experience.

These in-person events take a huge amount of work for a tiny team so I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues for their support. Thanks also to the Venue Cymru team, our fabulous speakers, and our attendees for sharing their time and energy. We know it’s hard to get away from our desks, but these are the moments that reinvigorate us and give new ideas and contacts to keep growing, learning, connecting, and improving.

Hynt is the national access scheme for theatres and arts centres in Wales. Hynt is an Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales initiative managed by CREU CYMRU.