Why accessibility in the arts is important in the HRM

If we want to make art accessible, we need to create spaces where everyone can create and enjoy it.

Photo credit: Cotton Bro. Downloaded with permissions from Pexels.com.

In this article, we will:

• share some of the experiences of persons with disabilities in our community.

• explore how to improve experiences in the arts sector for persons with disabilities.

• share more about what Eastern Front Theatre is doing to lead the process of change.

Barriers often faced by people who want to take part in the arts

It's not easy for people with disabilities to take part in art events and venues. In Phase 1 of our Accessibility Project, our team researched those challenges.

Challenges were a result of:

• Socio-economic barriers. Many people felt they could not afford to take part.

• Physical barriers. Many physical spaces were not built with disabilities in mind. Persons with disabilities had difficulty accessing these spaces.

• Discrimination barriers. Many people of underrepresented groups expressed not feeling welcome in artistic spaces.

• Intersecting barriers. It was often the case that both artists and art patrons faced more than one of the barriers described above.

Click here to read the full report.

In this phase, we will help local events create better physical accessibility.

Accessible spaces create better audience experiences

More people can attend and enjoy events when the events in accessible spaces. Accessible spaces and events allow a diverse audience to attend. This includes people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Accessibility features also allow more people to fully experience the event. This creates a sense of community and belonging.

It’s important to remember that accessibility is a broad term. Accessible spaces and events consider all sorts of disabilities and challenges. Some accessibility features will be physical, like ramps, power doors, and adequate lighting. Others are more experiential, such as including ASL interpreters at events.

Supporting artists with disabilities

Accessibility is also important for artists with disabilities. Welcoming spaces allow disabled artists to create and share without worry that they will face extra challenges.

Accessibility also challenges stereotypes. This makes the arts environment more welcoming to new artists with disabilities.

Accessibility benefits everyone

Did you know that accessibility is good for everyone?

Here are some reasons why:

• Accessibility creates a larger, more welcoming community. We’re able to come together, experience the arts, learn from each other, and build connections.

• Everyone can enjoy accessible environments. For example, ramps and wide doorways are helpful for wheelchair users and cane users, as well as caregivers with strollers.

• Accessibility creates a community of empathy and understanding.

In Summary:

Accessibility allows more people to take part in the arts in the HRM. Eastern Front Theatre is dedicated to enhancing access in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki. Accessibility enriches experiences, supports disabled artists, and fosters an inclusive, empathetic community.

A few members of our Phase 3 team preparing to audit the Halifax Public Library.

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