2020 Accessibility in the Arts by Kate Stanforth

I think we can all agree that 2020 hasn’t been how anyone planned it to be.  However, as I was scrolling through the ‘highlights’ on my phone the other day, I recognised one change that I certainly don’t think would have happened so quickly if it wasn’t for Covid – accessibility.  I’ve been a lover of the arts from a very young age, and as a dance teacher, I’m a regular at the theatre.  One thing which always frustrated me was access to arts, and I have to say, I think this year we have seen some (dare I say it) progress!

Socially Distanced Concerts

I was lucky enough to receive PR tickets to one of the first socially distanced, outdoor concerts with Virgin Media Unity Arena.  It was the first time I could enjoy a concert with not just one, but three friends.  It’s something you don’t usually think about accessibility wise, but when I attend a concert under normal circumstances, the wheelchair area only allows one friend and sections you off from everyone else.  For once, I was at the front near the band and able to enjoy the night, and the atmosphere, with my friends.

From West End to Living Room

42nd Street was a production I was desperate to see in the West End but unfortunately, my health wasn’t good enough to travel down.  When I saw that it was getting streamed on YouTube for the weekend, I was incredibly excited that I’d finally be able to see it!  Being able to watch it from my own home meant I could adjust the volume, sit in my adapted recliner chair, pause it if I got tired, had my family around me and I didn’t have to travel six hours to see it!  No, you don’t get the full ‘theatre’ experience, but I still loved it!

Dancing in My Bedroom

Finally, I’ve enjoyed taking part in a number of live-streamed dance classes this year.  I can’t manage to go to a physical dance class and having dance artists stream their work, something which I’ve been trying to encourage for a long time, has meant I have felt inspired in my own choreography again!  I’ve been streaming free dance classes myself over lockdown and it’s something that I’ve been loving.

Why Accessibility Matters

For people with chronic illnesses, particularly those who are bed/ housebound, accessing theatre via streaming is crucial.  It could be the only way to access the arts and to give those people an equal chance to enjoy it seems like the right thing to do.  Equally, it can give other opportunities, like for people who can’t afford the theatre to enjoy the arts.  I really hope that the arts sector will see the impact these things have had over this year and continue so 2021 will see accessibility for all at the forefront.

On a final note, as I say, it’s been a bit of a year so I just want to say thank you for supporting my monthly column, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you all in 2021!