Investment helps boost accessibility in cultural venues across West Yorkshire

Disabled artists and audiences are set to benefit from new investment to improve accessibility in creative and cultural venues across West Yorkshire, Mayor Tracy Brabin has announced today (8 January).

17 organisations have been awarded a share of £230,000 to deliver practical accessibility improvements, including sensory-friendly spaces, accessible signage, ramps, doors and toilets.

The funding forms part of a wider accessibility programme run by disabled-led organisation Unlimited and is funded through the Mayor’s £4.2 million You Can Make It Here programme, designed to support and grow the region’s creative sector.

Alongside the grants, the accessibility programme offers training, guidance and ongoing support to help cultural organisations improve disability equality and create more inclusive experiences for disabled artists, audiences and participants.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Everyone should be able to access West Yorkshire’s world-class culture and creativity.

“The funding awarded today will help break down barriers for disabled people, enabling venues to open their doors to more artists and audiences.

“By transforming spaces in this way, we’re helping businesses and creatives thrive in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Jo Verrent, Director at Unlimited, said:

“True access goes beyond physical changes – it’s about understanding, confidence and culture.

“This programme supports organisations to make meaningful, lasting improvements, shaped by disabled people’s lived experience. We’ve seen incredible progress from the first two rounds, but so many more venues could benefit.

“If you’re running a cultural venue or community space in West Yorkshire and ready to make real changes for disabled artists and audiences, submit a simple expression of interest by 28 January.”

The successful recipients were selected by two panels of West Yorkshire-based, disabled creative professionals, who used their lived experience to identify improvements that would have the greatest impact for disabled artists, audiences and participants.

The latest awards build on a successful pilot last year, which saw £60,000 awarded to eight cultural venues across the region, bringing the total funded support across the programme to £290,000.

A third round of grants to support accessibility improvements opens for expressions of interest today (8 January 2026), with a deadline of 28 January 2026.

To find out more, visit: https://weareunlimited.org.uk/our-work/projects/accessibility-programme/