Isol-Aid Announces Mini-festival For Musicians With Disabilities

Isol-Aid will showcase contemporary musicians who are Deaf and disabled via new online mini-festival Accessible All Areas later this month.

Taking place on September 19 from 8pm, the event will feature talent from across the globe, including local artist and festival curator Eliza Hull alongside Ruth Patterson and James Holt from the UK and Gaelynn Lea from the US. 

“Live gigs are often not accessible for people with a disability, venues have stairs, inaccessible toilets, or are too loud,” Hull said. 

“COVID-19 has presented a way that we can use technology to improve access and inclusion for people with a disability to be part of live music.

“I curated this event to showcase disabled musicians from all around the world, and hopefully eliminate some of the barriers and obstacles that these disabled musicians may have faced between them and their audience.”

Isol-Aid’s Emily Ulman added: “Access has always been central to my practice as a music programmer, but running an online festival has taught me how transformative virtual platforms can be. 

“Online initiatives allow artists to reach everyone, not just those who are able to physically attend an event. They also allow access to the stage to performers of all abilities.”

The event will also be accessible for people with a disability, including closed captions, an Auslan interpreter and video description.

For more details, head to Isol-Aid’s website.

Eliza Hull