Shape’s Open the Door, campaigning for disability equality in the arts
London’s cultural sector is joining a groundbreaking campaign to defeat the capital’s most neglected prejudice.
Despite a wave of equalities legislation in recent years, disabled people are still effectively barred from accessing many of London’s attractions. The Open the Door Campaign, led by Shape, is set to change this.
The campaign is being championed by the sector’s most influential people, including Michael Lynch, Chief Executive of the South Bank Centre.
With over one million disabled people in London and a collective spending power of over £80 billion, the creative industries are realising that they cannot afford to ignore the economical, creative and inspirational contribution that disabled people have to offer.
Open the Door will be the most comprehensive attempt that the sector has ever made to reach out to disabled people. The campaign is unparalleled in terms of the enthusiasm and commitment it has attracted from amongst London’s arts and cultural organisations. For the first time ever, there is a genuine belief that we will be able to create a city that is accessible to all.
Steve Mannix, CEO of Shape: "Open the Door offers a unique opportunity to create lasting and real change to enable disabled and deaf people access the arts and creative industries."
The campaign addresses all sides of what is a very complex issue. Firstly, it will garner a commitment to equality for disabled people. As this gathers pace within the sector, it will then offer venues the tools they need to make practical changes, through disability equality training, advice and sharing of best practice. Finally, via Shape Tickets, London’s leading arts booking service for disabled people, audiences will be given a chance to add their voices to the debate.
There has never been a more practical and effective programme for the arts and their disabled audiences.
For more information regarding this campaign please contact:
Geraldine McNamara
Open the Door Campaign Manager
geraldine@shapearts.org.uk
Tel: 020 7619 2616
Fax: 020 7619 6162
Minicom: 020 7619 6161
