Music Makers: Disability in the Music Industry Research

Find other people who share your struggles. There is strength in numbers, and together we can change the industry.”  –  anonymous, Music Makers Survey, 2021

One of the top music cities in the world, Melbourne is home to more music venues per capita than any other city (Creative Victoria, 2018), giving Victoria a unique opportunity to place its place as one of the most accessible music industries in the world.

A 2019 Australia Council for the Arts’ survey (NAPS) highlighted that positive attitudes and participation in music is higher for Deaf and Disabled people compared to the non-disabled population. Simultaneously, a lower percentage of Deaf and Disabled people reported comfortability in attending arts events and festivals compared to those not identifying as disabled (NAPS, 2019). This shows that accessibility barriers remain an issue and when approximately 1 in 5 Australians identify as Deaf and/or Disabled (Vic Health, 2009), this is a problem that needs addressing.

This research focused on creating a more inclusive environment to increase creative output for Deaf and Disabled people. It explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected music industry engagement with Deaf and Disabled communities, examined the online accessibility of select music venues within Victoria, what barriers exist and how to create greater accessibility for them.

Click here to check out the Abridged Report.

Music Makers is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.