ACCESSIBLE Arts & Media is launching new projects to provide opportunities for disabled and non-disabled young people as equal partners, as part of the York charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

The two innovative music programmes, known as Inclusive Music Projects, are based on AAM’s award-winning adult Hands & Voices choir and Sound Weavers composing workshop.

The aim is to provide chances for disabled and non-disabled people to come together to compose their own music, learn to sing and sign, share their music-making with others, perform, socialise and have fun.

Unlike a traditional music project, they will be able to take part in a committee and access training to become workshop leaders, as well as being taught by AAM’s adult apprentice workshop leaders with learning difficulties and disabilities, working alongside professionals.

Already more than 200 adults with disabilities are benefiting from taking part in AAM’s activities each year, and through the new IMP projects an additional 80 disabled and non-disabled young people can take part too.

Free taster sessions will be run in York at Burton Stone Community Centre on June 18 and 25 from 6pm to 8pm, as well as a closed session at St Anne’s School, Welton, near Brough. A session has been held already at Woldgate College, Pocklington, which drew 22 young people on Monday evening this week.

Anyone interested in taking part should in the York sessions should contact AAM beforehand by phoning 01904 626965 or emailing imps@a-arts-media.org

Chairman Helen Cadbury welcomes the new opportunity.

“With thanks to generous funding from Youth Music and the Big Lottery Fund, we’re thrilled to be launching our Inclusive Music Projects at such an exciting time – our 30th anniversary,” she says.

“As a charity, our primary aim is to develop a wide range of disability and youth programmes that ensure all our participants can make choices, take control and have their voices heard. AAM is proud to be celebrating the difference we have made, and continue to make, in order to improve the quality of life for local young people. It’s fantastic that we’ve secured funding in these tough times for such an important project”.

Accessible Arts & Media has been an integral part of the cultural and community landscape in York since 1982 when a collective of filmmakers formed York Film Workshop.

After a few names changes and relocations over the years – The Old Dairy Studios, York Artlink, Accessible Arts and Cube Media – Accessible Arts & Media was born in 2008, since when its members, supporters, funding bodies and friends have overseen the charity growing into today’s vibrant organisation.

Managing director Rose Kent says: “I’m thrilled to have dedicated over 20 years of my life to AAM and I’m proud to say that our work never ceases to excite and inspire me. When I first set up the Accessible Arts arm of the charity in 1992, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d still be around to celebrate the 30th anniversary.

“I’m delighted by what we’ve managed to achieve over the years, and with huge thanks to the support we’ve received over the years enabling AAM to make a real difference to thousands of people in York and beyond.”

Activities range from music workshop leader training for adults with disabilities to a sensory programme designed for adults and children with profound and multiple disabilities. At the heart of AAM is the Hands And Voices singing and signing choir, which enables those with communication and learning difficulties to express themselves more easily.

The creative achievements of Hand And Voices AND all AAM members will be celebrated with an anniversary concert on Wednesday, July 11 from 7pm at the York Guildhall.

This event also will be a memorial to late patron Alan Hacker OBE, the clarinettist, teacher and conductor, who died on April 16.

“Alan was our patron for 20 years and without his support and inspiration AAM would never have reached 30,” says Rose. “He was a firm believer in making music and the arts accessible to all and passionate about breaking down the barriers of the established arts world.”

The 30th anniversary concert will form part of the York 800 programme of events and will showcase performances by the Hands & Voices choir and disabled composer and AAM member Richard Mendham, alongside more AAM groups and individuals, all woven together with some of Alan Hacker’s inspirational recordings.

• Accessible Arts & Media is also offering an open invitation for anyone keen to experience and celebrate the diverse talents of the non-performing AAM groups at an Open Week from July 16 to 20. For more details, phone 01904 626965, email info@a-arts-media.org