Creative United Board Member Suzanne Cony-Bull MBE has joined UnMute as the initiative’s new Roster Coordinator, championing flexible opportunities for disabled musicians and breaking down barriers in live music.
Developed by Continental Drifts and Global Local, UnMute is an initiative designed to empower disabled musicians and improve access to live performance opportunities at UK and international events and festivals. The project has been developed with support from the Musicians’ Union and Attitude is Everything.
Pictured: Drag Syndrome
UnMute’s mission aligns with Creative United’s work supporting creative livelihoods and breaking down barriers that can prevent people from participating fully in music. Through Take it away, Creative United has helped make instruments, equipment and tuition more accessible by addressing the financial barriers to getting started or continuing a musical journey.
The Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments, commissioned by Creative United, is a practical introduction to the accessible instruments, assistive technologies and adaptive equipment available to support disabled musicians of all ages.
Suzanne Cony-Bull’s appointment comes at an exciting stage in UnMute’s development, as the project builds its roster and expands its network, providing flexible and supportive opportunities for disabled musicians, with a platform to showcase their talents.
Launched this year, the UnMute Roster is already creating new opportunities for disabled artists, with roster artists performing at Boomtown, Camp Bestival and in Toronto, Canada, as well as upcoming performances at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The roster features a diverse range of disabled creators, including Drag Syndrome, the drag collective featuring performers with Down Syndrome, and Deaf Rave, a UK-based music and culture collective creating inclusive dance, club, and festival experiences that unite Deaf, hard-of-hearing, disabled, and hearing communities
We look forward to seeing the impact of this fantastic initiative to support the creative livelihoods of disabled musicians and break down barriers in live music.
Suzanne Cony-Bull MBE