Between 2025 and 2026, Attitude is Everything and One World Orchestra collaborated to address a critical gap in how access is understood and implemented in community music settings. Together, we created new industry guidance and an easy read artist resource shaped by the experiences of musicians from global majority backgrounds and those with lived experience of migration and forced displacement.
This piece of work combined Attitude is Everything’s experience of advocating for accessibility across the music and live events industries, with One World Orchestra’s deep community engagement and intersectional music practice. Through each organisation’s work we discovered that many people may not be confident discussing their access needs in English, and others may not identify as disabled due to cultural perceptions. Our project explored how we could also support those whose first language is not English, people who face challenges understanding written English, and people who may not have an understanding of accessibility or access needs. We also examined the unique access considerations for refugees, asylum seekers and others affected by trauma or relocation.
A pivotal part of the project was an inclusive rehearsal and roundtable with 13 professional musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. Each participant received an easy read document titled “What Do We Mean by Access?” 11 people found it helpful, and the group offered crucial insights into how accessibility tools can evolve to support their understanding. Some images in the easy read lacked cultural clarity, one musician required an interpreter, and participants emphasised the need for tangible examples rooted in lived experience. These reflections prompted wider questions about who is excluded from standard accessibility formats and how intersectional experiences reshape the meaning of “access.”
The musicians also highlighted significant barriers within the UK music landscape, including:
- Experiencing limited access to instruments and rehearsal spaces,
- Transport difficulties
- Financial pressures
- Lack of networks
- Digital hurdles such as booking platforms
- Ongoing experiences of racism and institutional exclusion.
Many described having to rebuild their careers from scratch after arriving in the UK, despite being experienced professionals, and expressed a clear need for pathways to funding, performance opportunities, and industry knowledge.
In response, our easy read resource introduces key concepts around access, disability and neurodivergence; guidance on seeking support; explanations of Access Riders; and signposting to free music industry tools and safe spaces for creative development. The process not only expanded access to vital information but also strengthened shared understanding between both organisations, affirming that accessible intersectional practices are constantly evolving.
Developing this Easy Read artist resource has been a truly rewarding and collaborative effort. The entire process motivated us to critically challenge existing accessible formats in addressing intersectional cultural and language barriers that are often overlooked. My previous experience of directly supporting talented refugees and asylum seekers navigating creative pathways, the learnings we have gained from listening to diverse communities, and my own lived experience of intersectional heritage enabled us to bridge this gap in the industry. We are committed to continuing this work with Global Majority and forcibly displaced artists at Attitude is Everything.
Lamyaa Elgen, Inclusive Communities Coordinator
Our package of Making Live Events Inclusive for Displaced and Global Majority Musicians and UK Support for Global Majority and Refugee Music Makers are available to download from our website now.
