AccessKey

The AccessKey Digital Toolkit is a free, easy-to-use toolkit to help make your live music events more accessible. Spoiler alert: it's just a checklist! Who is this toolkit for? This toolkit is designed to support folks involved in the planning, production and execution of small to medium-sized live music events by providing strategies to improve event accessibility. Whether you are a venue owner, the concert presenter, event curator, or performing artist, this toolkit will have something for you. How will this toolkit help? 1) Help identify existing access accommodations 2) Tips on how to provide access info publicly to patrons, ticket buyers etc. 3) tips to improve access conditions without expensive changes It can be expensive and challenging to make events completely accessible for everyone. Instead, the goal is to explore current access options or easy additions without spending much money, then sharing this information openly to help people make informed decisions. What topics are covered? - making venues more accessible - designing performances for accessibility - providing access information on event listings - making ticket buying easier - designing event posters, graphics, and materials for an Electronic Press Kit - creating Venue Guides and Access Guides - social media etiquette - and more! Visit the link in our bio or go to linktr.ee/AccessKeyOrg For questions, reach out to [email protected] or send us an Instagram message We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts @canada.council Thank you to the many consultants and collaborators that contributed to this Digital Toolkit. Infographics designed by @studioyuna.design

Have you heard of pay-it-forward tickets? Attendees can purchase pay-it-forward tickets (in addition to their own tickets) to cover the cost for someone else. It's like donating a ticket to another person. At your next event, consider providing an option for pay-it-forward tickets to give an opportunity for those who may not normally be able to afford a ticket to receive once. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Are you serving food and/drink at your next event? Consider letting guests know in advance if the following options are available: 1) Dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, low sugar options. 2) Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Free water station with cups. 3) Accepts cash or card payments. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

What are Pay-what-you-can tickets? Also known as PWYC tickets. With PWYC tickets, guests decide how much they are willing to pay for a ticket instead of having set prices. The benefits include attracting new audiences and creating financial accessibility. For your next ticketed event, consider setting aside a couple (if not all) Pay-what-you-can tickets. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Are you hosting an event in a unique and unconventional space? Live music can take place in interesting locations such as backyards or parks. Here are some ways to help guide your guests to the space: 1) Verify the accuracy of the location by typing it on Google and Apple Maps. 2) Provide extra details such as the coordinates or annotated maps and photos showing the entrances so people know how to get to the space. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

When creating an event listing, it is essential to provide a variety of contact information. This helps ticket buyers and attendees get their questions answered so they know what to expect. The goal is to accommodate access needs and ease attendee anxiety. Some options you can provide are: email, phone number for calls, phone number for texting, WhatsApp, social media for direct messages, and in-person box office location and hours. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Making an Access Guide for your next event? Here are 8 items to include: 1) Event Summary: a brief overview of the event. 2) Schedule: such as when the doors open, the set times, the intermission times. 3) Content warnings: potential sensitive and triggering content. 4) Audience etiquette such as expected behaviour of the audience. For example, "We ask that the audience be quiet and attentive to performers, and snap instead of clap after each song." 5) Sensory warnings such as loud audio, flashing and strobe lights, fog and smoke, or haze. 6) What food and drink will be available including dietary options. 7) Access accommodations such as sign language interpreters, closed captioning, or Certified Deaf interpreters. 8) Details about the event staff and who can help with what. For example, if event staff will be wearing a particular uniform. . . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Have you ever heard of an Access Guide? An Access Guide provides clear and easy to understand information about the event to go along with the event listing. It can be provided in various formats such as videos or documents. It pairs well with a Venue Guide which details the physical venue. An Access Guide can be especially helpful for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivity, or anxiety. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Are you designing a Venue Guide for your next event? Here are 7 items to include: 1) Map showing the location of the venue with the exact address. Add arrows and annotations to make it as clear as possible. Double check that the address is accurate on Google Maps or Apple Maps. 2) Transportation information such as the closest accessible public transit stop, drop-off zones, rideshare pickup zones, parking and bike parking. 3) Entrance details including photos and videos of the venue entrance and the paths leading up to it. 4) Facility details including photos and videos of the box office, coat check, guest services, washrooms, and viewing areas. 5) Stage access explaining the paths leading to the green rooms and stage. 6) Pathways and general walkways around the venue including hallways, stairs, ramps etc. 7) Contact information so that patrons can reach the venue staff and organizers in a variety of ways. This includes name and address of the venue, phone numbers for calling or texting or WhatsApp, social media handles, and hours of box office operations. . . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

Have you ever heard of a Venue Guide? A Venue Guide describes the physical venue of an event space. It can be in the format of a video, printout, online document etc. The purpose is to give a clear and easy-to-understand picture of what the venue looks like using simple words and visuals. The goal is to offer detailed information about the venue so that patrons can make informed decisions before booking or visiting the venue. If you are a venue owner, considering providing a Venue Guide on your website so guests know what to expect before visiting the venue. . . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic designed by @studioyuna.design

For some folks, attending in-person live music events can be challenging. Here are some ways livestreaming improves accessibility: Livestreaming can allow people who may not normally be able to attend an in-person show to experience live music and be a part of your audience. Some benefits of livestreaming for the audience includes: watching the show comfortably from home or wherever, not needing to worry about venue access, saving money on travel, and being able to play, pause, and control the volume. Consider providing a livestreaming option for your next event. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic by @studioyuna.design

Live music events can often be overwhelming and overstimulating. Making a show a "Relaxed Performance" can make it more comfortable for folks with sensory sensitivities or cognitive disabilities to enjoy. Here are some easy adjustments to create a Relaxed Performance. Tip 1: Relax the house rules by allowing guests to move about the viewing area freely and enter/exit the venue as needed. Tip 2: Choose gentle lighting such as non-moving or slow-moving lights. Avoid strobe lights. Leave the house lights dimly lit. Tip 3: Lower the audio volume. Tip 4: Designate a separate area outside of the performance space for guests to take quiet breaks. These adjustments can make live music events more inclusive and enjoyable for more people. Consider hosting a "Relaxed Performance" for your next event. . . . We acknowledge the support of @canada.council Infographic by @studioyuna.design