An event from the North East Family Arts Network, Northumberland Parent Carer Forum and Disability North

Free to members of the North East Family Arts Network and Northumberland-based culture sector staff and creatives

This event is for staff from cultural organisations and creatives to discover the reality of the lived experience for families with additional needs who are using their cultural offer.

A family panel consisting of people with a variety of disabilities and/or their carers will share what the whole journey of accessing cultural buildings and events is really like, from finding out about the event, planning the visit, then attending on the day.

There will be ‘ask anything’ opportunities where the family panel can answer any questions you may have about how your organisation specifically can best cater for their needs. The event will be informal but informative.

Programme for the morning

10am Welcome. Hot drinks. Breakfast pastries.

10.20 A short performance Earthlings by the Headway Arts Dance Company

10.35 Brief presentations by Woodhorn, Disability North and the North East Family Arts Network

10.50 Meet the families. Introducing the family panel. Chaired by Claire North of the Northumberland Parent Carer Forum

A conversation. Families give insights and examples of their experiences accessing culture.

Ask the families. Ask anything in this safe space. We advise coming along to the event with questions ready to ask.

11.50am Closing comments.

Please note, the above event outline is subject to change.

Insights from the day will be shared more widely after the event.

Big thanks to the following organisations for their help with this event, many of whom donated time and, in the case of Museums Northumberland, space free of charge:

North East Family Arts Network

Northumberland Parent Carer Forum

Disability North

Museums Northumberland

Headway Arts

Northumberland County Council/Northumberland Strategic Culture Network

Culture Northumberland

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

What does accessible really mean? Ask the families