New report details ‘systemic’ barriers for disabled musicians

Disabled musicians experience significant and systemic barriers in the UK music industry, according to a new report from disability music charity Attitude Is Everything (AIE).

The report, titled Next Stage Snapshot, collated responses from 71 Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists, many of whom reported experiencing discrimination as they’ve developed their careers. Attitude Is Everything’s third report since 2019 assesses the numerous challenges disabled artists face during project development, delivery, and live performance.

Of the 94% who have performed live, only 60% shared access requirements with their promoter — but just 20% reported feeling confident doing so, despite being protected by the UK’s 2010 Equality Act. The law prevents discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, gender reassignment, and other characteristics.

Less than half of the music creators surveyed said they felt confident applying for financial funding, and a mere 10% expressed confidence in self-promoting their artist brand and music.

The report states: “Many disabled music creators are concerned that their music will be seen as secondary to their lived experience of disability.”

Disabled artists reportedly experience a pay gap of £4,000, according to the Musician’s Union’s 2023 Census, further challenging the short- and long-term development of these makers.

“Uprooting inaccessible practices in the music industry would enable everyone to flourish,” says Hillary Juma, AIE artist development manager. “We hope that in sharing our members’ voices in the Next Stage Snapshot everyone in our industry who works with Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent music creators (disclosed or non-disclosed) will be inspired to take action with us to make the industry more accessible.

“We all have the power to make change for the better if we build collectively.”

“We can create a music industry that empowers disabled artists to have fulfilling, sustainable and safe careers”

To better support disabled creators, the report outlines multiple domains where improvements can be made. In addition to improvements in funding opportunities and digital marketing, Next Stage Snapshot calls for live promoters to work with venues that provide accessibility to better protect artists’ rights.

AIE continues to champion the charge with its Next Stage initiative, which launched in 2018, by providing workshops, events, and peer-support networks for disabled musicians. Next year, the charity will relaunch the Live Events Access Charter to provide more guidance on how the industry can better support artists’ access needs.

Artist Elle Chante says: “I’d like to imagine a future in which it’s normal for funding opportunities to recognise and support access needs — from application to project end. Where alternative, flexible ways of working and marketing become widely accepted. Where live showcases are supportive of both audience and artists’ needs.

“I truly believe that with more accessible funding and approaches we can create a music industry that empowers disabled artists to have fulfilling, sustainable and safe careers.”

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