Access Culture Survey confirms key barriers to disabled people’s participation
- News
27 March 2025
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Audience specialist Indigo Ltd has released its findings from the Access Culture Survey, in collaboration with All In and sponsored by pointOne. Developed by disabled people, we at All In see these findings as both important and urgent – confirming what many disabled people have long experienced when trying to participate in creativity and culture.
This widely shared survey gathered over 12,700 validated responses from audiences at 85 theatres, orchestras and performing arts organisations across the UK, providing crucial insight as All In prepares to roll out later this year.
A group of people laugh while enjoying a photography exhibition in an art gallery.
Photos by Karol Wyszynski
The survey highlights that while our sector leads in inclusivity compared to other public spaces, significant barriers remain.
Key findings include:
- 7 out of 10 disabled people struggle to find clear accessibility information
- Disabled visitors are nine times more likely to struggle with booking tickets online
- 2 in 5 disabled visitors lack confidence their access requirements will be met
- 38% miss cultural events due to accessibility uncertainty
- Physical access remains the biggest barrier, with sensory requirements particularly important for younger audiences
All In will provide tools to help organisations address many of these issues.
Our forthcoming accessibility standards, developed with disability-led charity Attitude is Everything, will identify best practice for the sector to meet disabled people’s access requirements. We will also offer organisations practical support through skills development and connections to accessibility experts.
Disabled people will be able to securely share their access requirements through our digital system, giving subscribed organisations clear and up to date information.
All In will also allow organisations to measure their success through data and analytics, giving them a better understanding of disabled audiences and focus future development in access provisions.
“These findings validate what we’ve heard from disabled people – communication barriers often prevent participation, even when access provisions exist. These are areas where All In can make a real difference in transforming disabled people’s creative and cultural experiences and provide the tools organisations need to welcome everyone.”
Katy Raines, CEO of Indigo, notes: “Some findings are encouraging and reflect the sector’s efforts on access and inclusion; however, we can also be very clear about areas we need to develop to offer access to culture for all.”
The full report is available at indigo-ltd.com, with updates on All In’s progress available by expressing your interest.