Disabled artists and audiences in West Yorkshire are set to benefit from part of an accessibility initiative worth £2.3 million.
Eight organisations, including Bradford's Castle in the Sky venue, have been awarded a share of £60,000 as part of the ‘You Can Make It Here’ scheme, which is designed to nurture the region's creative sector.
Launched by Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, the programme will finance modifications like AI captioning technology, livestreaming capability, and ramps and rails, with one project even set to purchase wheelchair accessible pottery wheels and equipment.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "We’ve got a world-class cultural offer here in West Yorkshire, and I want everyone to have the chance to experience it.
"The investment we're announcing today will make a real difference for people with disabilities, as well as for our venues who will be able to welcome more artists and audiences."
Applications for the funds were seven times over the available amount, with 63 venues requesting nearly £474,000 for improvements.
The eight winning projects were chosen by a panel of disabled creative professionals from across West Yorkshire.
Further 'You Can Make It Here' initiatives will offer young talents, businesses, and freelancers opportunities for career development in the creative sector.
More information can be found at http://www.wybusiness-skills.com/business-support/you-can-make-it-here.
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