Opera North Touch Tour at Leeds Grand Theatre

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All In audience access scheme launches Leeds pilot

The All In access scheme for D/deaf, disabled and neuro-divergent people is being tested for eight months across venues in Leeds, prior to a UK and Ireland roll out.

Chris Sharratt
3 min read

A pilot programme for a new arts and culture access scheme for the UK and Ireland has been launched in Leeds.

The All In scheme, a partnership between the UK’s arts councils and Arts Council Ireland, is being tested by Leeds Heritage Theatres, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Leeds Playhouse and Opera North.

The pilot will run for eight months through to next summer and will test a number of aspects of the access scheme, which is designed for D/deaf, disabled and neuro-divergent people.

These include:

  • The quality of accessibility standards for creative and cultural venues
  • Support and skills development for venue staff to enable them to implement these standards
  • A digital system for sharing access requirements when booking tickets or attending events
  • Listings to help people find events that meet their access needs

The scheme, which has been developed by disabled people, builds on the work and success of Hynt, an existing access card scheme for theatres and arts centres in Wales.

All In is expected to be rolled out across the UK and Ireland in the second half of 2025. An annual subscription rate for the scheme will be announced in January.

“One step closer”

A joint statement from the chief executives of Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland and Arts Council Ireland said that “after so much work” it was great “to get the real-world testing underway”.

They continued: “We’re heartened by the enthusiasm Leeds Heritage Theatres, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Leeds Playhouse and Opera North have shown, and excited by their passion to get involved and make changes within their organisations.

“We’re one step closer to changing cultural experiences for disabled patrons in the UK and Ireland and look forward to the rollout of the scheme in 2025.”

Andrew Miller MBE, UK arts access champion for All In, said the pilot “marks a vital milestone in the development” of the scheme.

He added that the testing in Leeds would enable All In to put into practise findings from “our extensive research, the input from our advisory groups, and the ongoing work of our suppliers” while bringing “a wealth of valuable insight and feedback” from the participating organisations.

Emily Simpson, Opera North’s director of audiences, said the company was “delighted” to be part of the pilot for the scheme.

She continued: “By taking part in this pilot, we are looking forward to working collaboratively with other organisations, sharing data and insights to enhance this offer still further and to ensure that culture is genuinely open and welcoming to all.”