Exceeding Expectations
As we try to improve our accessibility options around the county, we are proud of these hospitality partners leading the way.
City of Raleigh’s Universal Access and the Arts
To realize Raleigh’s Creative Life Vision, one of the key strategies is to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts. The Raleigh Arts Plan echoes the Creative Life Vision with a goal that Raleigh becomes a national model for arts accessibility and inclusion for deaf and disability communities. Universal Access and the Arts comprises initiatives developed to achieve that goal. Read more
In fact, the 2022 Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD®) Conference will be in Raleigh Aug. 1-5, 2022. This national conference brings more than 600 professionals together to explore practical and innovative ways to design and realize inclusive arts and cultural experiences to engage the communities of people with disabilities.
PineCone, Piedmont Council of Traditional Music
PineCone is part of a learning community of local arts organizations that collaborate to advocate for and improve access to the arts for people with disabilities. This collective is funded in part by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. Read more
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ annual LEAD® Conference awarded Brandon Cordrey, executive director of the Visual Arts Exchange, and Jamie Katz Court, communications and programs manager of PineCone, with The LEAD® Award, which “recognizes outstanding arts administrators and institutions whose leadership and work furthers the field of accessibility.” Read more
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
KultureCity has partnered with the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts to make all performances and events that the center hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue. Read more
Raleigh Little Theatre
Raleigh Little Theatre has won a “Healthy Soundscape” award from Noise Free America: A Coalition to Promote Quiet for providing “sensory-friendly performances,” with a reduction of loud or jarring sounds. The theatre’s action recognizes the fact that excessive noise is very detrimental to millions of people, especially those with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities. Charles Phaneuf, executive director of the Raleigh Little Theatre, stated that sensory-friendly performances, in addition to a reduction of loud or jarring sounds, will also involve “reductions in flashing or strobe lights, modifications of the house lights during the performance, allowing audience members to talk or move during the show, extra staff and volunteer support, and a dedicated ‘take a break’ space.” Read more
World of Bluegrass
At all World of Bluegrass events, including the IBMA Business Conference, Bluegrass Ramble, awards show and PNC presents Wide Open Bluegrass, planners are committed to eliminating barriers to participation related to aging and disabilities. Read more
Triangle Rock Club (TRC)
Triangle Rock Club partner with Duke Adaptive Climbing to provide climbing opportunities to individuals with physical disabilities. Each month, Duke Adaptive hosts events at either TRC-Raleigh or TRC-Morrisville.