Location
Audience development and participant recruitment is a top priority for many groups, but often we get stuck using the same messaging, marketing and engagement ideas. How do you reach people in your community who are not part of your normal audience and participant demographic? And what do you need to do when someone new comes through the door so they want to keep coming back?
As part of our Access and Inclusion programme, at this event we’ll consider the most challenging of questions our members ask: How can we bring people in who are missing from our audience or activity? Groups are often not as diverse as they would like to be, and even when they try new ideas, struggle to shift this.
Understanding the barriers that would exclude someone from coming to - and sticking with - your activity will be our starting point. People who experience barriers to making and enjoying music are more likely to be disabled, from an ethnic minority, have a mental or physical health condition or be in challenging socio-economic circumstances.
In this practical workshop, we’ll look at strategies to connect with new people, and how you can make sure they can access your activity. We'll consider how to develop the culture of your group so newcomers will quickly feel included and that they belong. We’ll consider examples of other members’ projects that have effectively connected with new people to inspire ideas. You’ll have the chance to talk about your own group and discuss some realistic ideas that will work for you.
We'll talk about:
- Who is not in the room? What do demographic studies tell us?
- Marketing to and engaging with people you don’t normally reach.
- Ensuring concerts, learning, rehearsals and other music activity is accessible.
- Creating a group culture that is inclusive.
- Project work that makes change happen.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions via the chat function during the event.
There will be a short break during the event.
Who this event is for: This session will be useful for anyone in your group working on audience development, recruiting new participants or access and inclusion matters. The session is aimed at all member groups, not just those with a specific inclusion remit. This event is part of our Access and Inclusion programme, suitable for those new to the topic and those who have previously attended other A+I events as we will cover some new ideas.
Cost: FREE for members and non-members
We will be using Zoom to host the meeting, and will send the joining link by email, one hour before the event is due to start.
Please read the event information below before reserving your place.
Registration for this event closes at 8am on 18/01/2025.
Event information:
- This event includes a powerpoint presentation
- This event includes participant-led discussion
- Questions will be taken via the chat function at this event
- Breakout rooms will be used at this event
- Automated closed captions (subtitles) will be available at this event. If you require live captioning, please contact us to request this
Expected event schedule:
- 10.00am: welcome and how we will use the Zoom features during the event
- 10.10am: updates from Making Music
- 10.15am: event topic
- 11.00am approx: short break
- 11.10am: event continues
- 12.00pm: finish
Timings may vary on the day.
Recording information:
We do not plan to record this event.
Inclusivity statement:
We aim to make our events as accessible as possible. If you have any particular accessibility requirements or if there is anything else we can do to help make the event a better experience for you, please let us know.
Cancellation policy:
Making Music reserves the right to cancel an event due to low attendance numbers, adverse weather conditions or other circumstances which make it no longer possible to run the event. If you have booked a place and Making Music cancels the event, we will offer you a full refund where applicable.
