producing accessibility between retrofitting and aesthetics of access

Time, money, and the involvement of experts are decisive factors in producing accessibility. To work as an anti-ableist producer, one constantly explores their scope for action and deals with different conditions.

Graeae Theatre Company, based in UK significantly shaped the concept of the "Aesthetics of Access", has thus created an alternative to the pure service concept of which they call retrofitting accessibility.

The speakers will distinguish the two concepts and share criteria, using various examples from their own anti-ableist practice. In the workshop, we will work together to develop an understanding of how to plan accessibility measures for your own project with different time and budget constraints and implement them with experts.

The workshop is divided into two parts. The first part starts with input and offers space to discuss your own examples in the second half. The case studies can also be shared in advance when registering and can thus be taken up by us more generally.

After a brief outline of all the examples, as the workshop group, we will agree on what will be discussed in more detail.

A longer break of 30 minutes is scheduled about halfway through. Shorter breaks are also planned in between. No breakout sessions are planned. There will be a presentation and we will use the Zoom voting tool at several points.

There will be a short round of introductions via chat at the beginning. Participant interaction is welcome, especially in the second part, but not mandatory - it is possible to interact both verbally and in writing via the chat.

The workshop will take place as a relaxed event: You can participate sitting or lying down, move around during the workshop or use your stim toys - all forms of participation are welcome! Please take care of yourself, bring your favorite comfy clothes, favorite drinks, snacks and anything else that will make participation enjoyable for you. The camera does not need to be switched on.

Lea Gockel (she/her), a white queer, disabled and chronically ill expert, has been developing Inclusive Practice Management at the Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm in Frankfurt am Main since November 2022.

She also curates accessible residencies and anti-ableist networking programs at Mousonturm. Her goal is to ensure that Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill people feel considered and addressed by the program and work there more often. She studied cultural studies in Munich and Canterbury (England) and has worked in directing and producing at various theaters. She also regularly advises dance and theater festivals on accessibility, often in collaboration with Olivia Hotz.

Olivia Hotz (she/her) works as a creative producer and consultant with a focus on access coordination and access dramaturgy. One of her main focuses is the development of holistic accessibility concepts for various dance and theater festivals, often in tandem with Lea Gockel. She co-conceptualized the AKADEMIE für Performing Arts Producer #7 together with Katja Sonnemann and joined produktionsbande in 2023. In her work practice she combines expertise from her academic education and her lived experience as a neurodivergent and chronically ill person. Olivia is interested in thinking about and creating conditions for care-centered and anti-ableist structures, as well as exploring possibilities for sustainable change.

The workshop is aimed at those involved in artistic production within the independent performing arts who are interested in the practical implementation of accessibility measures in their work. It teaches the basics of artistic accessibility and an understanding of one's scope for action in different production contexts.

This workshop has a limited number of participants. If the event is already fully booked via our website, please contact martin via e-mail. We will then keep a waiting list and contact you if places become available.