Bristol Old Vic has been awarded the RNIB Simply The Best Award 2005 for Leisure Access. This national award is presented to the leisure organisation that has made a significant contribution to opening up arts and entertainment for people with sight problems. Bristol Old Vic has provided audio description and touch tours since 2002, led by volunteers trained in audio description techniques.
More than 30% of British adults dreamed of a career in the arts as children, yet only 11% of these have managed to achieve their dreams. The findings were contained in a new survey released by Creative & Cultural Skills (CCSkills), the Sector Skills Council for the creative industries. The survey also found that 54% of the public believe that being offered a job in the creative industries was down to who you know rather than what you know.
Scotland?s five National Youth Performing Arts Companies have welcomed the final report of the Cultural Commission. In a joint statement, the National Youth Choir of Scotland, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, Scottish Youth Theatre, and YDance voiced their support for the report?s emphasis on improving access to the arts for young people.
Mencap has launched a new learning disability arts website, designed to improve access to the arts for people with learning difficulties and to promote arts organisations addressing learning disability issues. w: http://www.artspider.org.uk
Leeds will be host to the 2006 British Dance Edition, the biennial showcase of UK dance. Organised by Yorkshire Dance on behalf of the Association of National Dance Agencies, the three-day event will be open to the general public as well as national and international promoters. Contact Christine Sowden. e: info@bde2006.co.uk; w http://www.bde2006.co.uk