Attitude is Everything announces Outstanding Attitude Awards 2019

30 October 2018 - Press release

"If you are working to break down barriers and include Deaf and disabled music fans, this is your chance to shout about it!"

• Ceremony to take place at Islington Assembly Hall on the afternoon of March 12th celebrating innovation and best practice in access for live music

• Awards expanded to TEN awards, spanning a range of topics - including online access information, DIY approaches to live music accessibility, ticketing, tech innovation and accessible infrastructure

• DIY Access Award named in memory of former Attitude is Everything trustee, Nigel McCune

• Attitude is Everything call for industry-wide nominations - submissions close on 21st December
  
  

Attitude is Everything has today revealed initial details of the Outstanding Attitude Awards, which will take place at Islington Assembly Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday March 12th. The music charity has issued an industry-wide call for nominations.

Celebrating innovation and best practice in access to live music and referencing some of the charity's key campaigns, the Awards recognises businesses and organisations who have positively impacted the experiences of Deaf and disabled music audiences.

Initially launched in 2016, when the winners included Nozstock, Reading Festival, Just So Festival, The Albany, Bristol's Colston Hall and the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, the event will mark the first time the Awards have had their own dedicated ceremony.

Live music businesses are being encouraged to nominate themselves here.

Applications must be received by 21st December 2018, after which they will be shortlisted and judged by industry experts, artists and fans.

Suzanne Bull MBE, CEO, Attitude is Everything, said:

"Having trialled the concept in 2016, I am delighted Attitude is Everything can now present a standalone event that celebrates the best in UK live music access innovation. From DIY events to companies at the cutting edge of ticketing technology, we want to bring the live music world together to shine a light on all of the ways live music can be made more inclusive for Deaf and disabled music fans. 

"By recognising what is possible at every level, we will demonstrate how the UK is a global leader when it comes to live music accessibility, and hope to encourage the industry to take further positive action. If you are working to break down barriers and include Deaf and disabled music fans, this is your chance to shout about it!"

Minister for the Creative Industries, Margot James, said:

"Everyone should be able to access and enjoy our fantastic live music scene and inclusivity should be at the forefront of promoters, event organisers and music venues' plans. Attitude is Everything's Outstanding Attitude Awards is a fantastic initiative which complements DCMS's commitment that arts and culture should be accessible for all."

The ten awards categories are:

• The Nigel McCune DIY Access Award

Recognising venues, bands, artists and promoters who have taken a DIY approach to improving live music accessibility, including using Attitude is Everything's DIY Access Guide.

• The Access Starts Online Awards

Three awards recognising venues under 500 capacity, venues over 500 capacity, and outdoor events that provide high quality and comprehensive online access information for Deaf and disabled audiences.

• The Ticketing Without Barriers Awards

Two awards recognising venues, events, ticketing and tech companies that have worked to improve the access booking experience for Deaf and disabled customers.

• The Tech Innovation Award

Recognising companies that have utilised technology to make live music more accessible and inclusive for Deaf and disabled audiences.

• The Big Ambition Award

Recognising larger venues and events that are pushing forward the definition of what is possible when it comes to improving access and live music.

• The Customer Focus Award

Recognising examples of excellent customer service and/or consultation when it comes to welcoming and engaging with Deaf and disabled audiences.

• The Accessible Infrastructure Award

Recognising excellent examples of access infrastructure implementation, such as viewing platforms, accessible toilets, showers and 'High Dependency Units'.

Paying tribute to Nigel McCune and his work in helping establish Attitude is Everything, Suzanne added:

"Nigel McCune was absolutely instrumental in setting up Attitude is Everything, becoming one of the first members of the project's steering group, and then going on to become one of the charity's first Trustees and Board Officers. His loss earlier this year hit us all incredibly hard. We know Nigel would have loved the spirit of the Outstanding Attitude Awards and particularly our support of the creative grassroots industry and DIY scenes, which is why we've dedicated the DIY Access Award to his memory."