Improving "access" for Creative Bognor means making creative and cultural opportunities available, welcoming, and meaningful to the broadest possible range of people within the Bognor Regis community and beyond. This goes beyond just physical accessibility and encompasses various dimensions.

Here's how Creative Bognor can improve access:

I. Physical and Sensory Access (Addressing Disabilities and Mobility)

• Audit and Improve Venues:
  • Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of all venues used for Creative Bognor activities (e.g., The Makerspace, community halls, outdoor spaces, pop-up galleries).
  • Ensure ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and obstacle-free pathways for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.
  • Provide accessible seating options at events.
  • Consider accessible restrooms.
• Sensory-Friendly Provisions:
  • Offer "relaxed" performances or viewing times with dimmer lighting, reduced noise levels, and fewer visitors for individuals with sensory sensitivities or neurodivergence.
  • Create designated quiet spaces.
  • Provide noise-cancelling headphones or sensory bags.
  • Use clear, high-contrast signage with large print and potentially Braille.
• Content Accessibility:
  • Offer audio descriptions for visual art, performances, and digital content for visually impaired individuals.
  • Provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and/or live captioning for performances, talks, and online events for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
  • Develop tactile models or interactive elements for those with visual impairments.

II. Digital Access (Bridging the Digital Divide)

• Accessible Website and Online Content:
  • Ensure the Creative Bognor website is fully accessible (e.g., screen reader compatible, clear navigation, alt text for images, captions/transcripts for videos).
  • Provide information in multiple formats (e.g., Easy Read, audio versions).
  • Clearly and prominently display accessibility information on the website.
• Virtual and Hybrid Offerings:
  • Continue to offer virtual or hybrid options for events where appropriate, as demonstrated during the pandemic. This can reach individuals who face physical barriers, transportation issues, or health concerns.
  • Utilize accessible online platforms for workshops, meetings, and exhibitions.
• Digital Skills Support:
  • Offer or signpost to digital literacy workshops, especially for older residents or those with limited tech access, to enable participation in online creative activities.

III. Programmatic and Financial Access (Removing Participation Barriers)

• Diverse Programming:
  • Curate a wide range of creative activities that appeal to different ages, interests, and cultural backgrounds within Bognor Regis.
  • Actively commission and showcase work by artists from diverse backgrounds, including disabled and neurodivergent artists, artists of color, LGBTQ+ artists, and those from different socio-economic strata.
• Affordability:
  • Offer free or low-cost events and workshops.
  • Implement tiered pricing or sliding scales.
  • Provide bursaries or subsidies for participation in longer courses or projects.
  • Explore "pay what you can" models for some events.
• Location and Transportation:
  • Host events in diverse locations across Bognor Regis, not just the town center, ensuring geographical access for all neighborhoods.
  • Consider public transport accessibility and provide information on accessible routes and parking.
• Flexible Timings:
  • Offer activities at various times (day, evening, weekends) to accommodate different schedules (e.g., for working parents, students, retirees).
• Childcare and Family Support:
  • Consider providing childcare options during certain events or creating family-friendly activities where children are welcome.

IV. Cultural and Social Access (Fostering Inclusivity and Belonging)

• Community-Led Co-Creation:
  • Actively involve diverse community members (including those often excluded) in the planning, creation, and delivery of projects. This could involve co-designing programs or inviting community panels.
  • Prioritize collaboration with local community groups, charities, and schools.
• Inclusive Language and Marketing:
  • Use welcoming, non-jargonistic, and inclusive language in all communications and marketing materials.
  • Represent the diversity of Bognor Regis in promotional images and stories.
  • Clearly communicate access provisions in all marketing.
• Staff Training and Awareness:
  • Provide ongoing training for all staff and volunteers on disability awareness, unconscious bias, and inclusive customer service.
  • Foster a culture where accessibility is seen as everyone's responsibility, not just an add-on.
• Active Listening and Feedback:
  • Establish clear channels for feedback on accessibility and act upon it.
  • Consider using "access riders" for artists and participants to understand individual needs.
• Challenging Perceptions:
  • Through its programming, Creative Bognor can work to challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of art, culture, and who participates in it.

By implementing these strategies, Creative Bognor can move beyond mere compliance to genuinely embed inclusivity and welcome everyone, enriching the cultural fabric of the town for all its residents.