About this project
South East Museum Development have teamed up with accessibility specialists, Direct Access, to provide four museums the opportunity to receive an Access Audit of their venue.
The audits fully evaluate your premises to check all provisions for disabled access are in place. Using their trained eye and first-hand experience of disability issues, the Direct Access consultant will offer practical, professional advice on overcoming a wide range of physical barriers and ensuring access for all.
The resulting report prioritises each recommendation in line with bench marking standards as set out in legislation and includes an achievable action plan to start improving access straight away. The consultant will also work with you to help find the most cost-effective solutions and measure the outcomes.
A grant of £1000 is available to participating museums* to help them take some of the recommendations forward.
We would like the Access Audits and reports to be completed by 31 January 2023, and the grant applications submitted by 1 March 2023.
South East Museum Development is funded by Arts Council England. This programme supports the Inclusivity and Relevance investment principles in the Arts Council’s Let’s Create strategy.
Aim
To support participating museums to become more accessible and inclusive.
Outcomes
Participating museums will:
- Have a professional Access Audit report on which to base forward planning
- be able to use the Access Audit report as proof of ‘need’ in external funding applications
- have an ‘action plan’ in place for improving access
- take action by using the SEMD grant (£1000) to address at least one of the recommendations be more accessible and inclusive
We are looking to recruit 4 museums – one from each of the south east’s sub-regions (Kent/Medway; Sussex/Surrey; Hants/Berks/Isle of Wight; Oxon/Bucks) to take part in this regional programme which consists of:
- a site visit and Access Audit by a Direct Access consultant
- a report with recommendations on how to improve access citing affordable solutions
- a £1000 grant from SEMD to action one or more of the changes cited in the Access Report/Recommendations to be delivered within 12 months.
How to apply:
Please complete the online Expression of Interest form by 5pm on 11 November 2022.
We will contact applicant as to the outcome of their application by 18 November.
Expression of Interest deadline: 11 Nov 2022 5pm
Key programme dates:
The Access Audits will take place by 31 January 2023.
The Grant application deadline is 1 March 2023.
Museums will have 12 months to complete the grant funded activity and submit a final report.
