Join us for a series of events focusing on expanding access to music for autistic learners across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Expanding Access to Music for Autistic Learners in Wales
Wed 3 June, 3:45 – 5pm
Online, Register here
In this free online seminar we’ll be sharing early insights from the AHRC-funded Musical Connections project, exploring how access to high-quality music-making can be expanded for autistic children and young people in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs).
Delivered in partnership with the National Music Service Wales, researchers Dr Beth Pickard (University of South Wales) and Alex Lupo (Live Music Now) this session brings together research, practice, and policy to explore music as an issue of equity and entitlement—and what needs to happen next across Wales.
We will share:
- Key learning from residencies in ARBs
- What enables—and limits—access to meaningful music experiences
- Early insights shaping our upcoming toolkit for schools and policy briefing
- Panel discussion with perspectives from practice, research, and lived experience
Register now to be part of the conversation on how equitable access to music can be realised for autistic learners in Wales.
This project is supported by the University of Southampton’s Centre for Music Education and Social Justice.
Music Access for Autistic Learners in Northen Ireland
Tue 16 June, 10am – 1pm
The MAC, Belfast, Register here
This free networking event will share early insights from the AHRC-funded ‘Musical Connections’ project exploring how access to high-quality music-making can be expanded for autistic children and young people in Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMs).
We will share:
- Key learning from residencies in Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMs)
- What enables—and limits—access to meaningful music experiences
- Early insights shaping our upcoming toolkit for schools and policy briefing
- Panel discussion with perspectives from practice, research, and lived experience
We’d love to bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives for this important conversation and would be delighted if you could join us or help spread the word by sharing with your networks.
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Expanding Access to Music for Autistic Learners in England
Mon 22 June, 3:45 – 5pm
Online, Booking link to come
Delivered in partnership with MusicMark, this session brings together research, practice, and policy to explore music as an issue of equity and entitlement—and what needs to happen next.
We will share:
- Key learning from residencies in ARBs
- What enables—and limits—access to meaningful music experiences
- Early insights shaping our upcoming toolkit for schools and policy briefing
- A discussion with perspectives from practice, research, and lived experience
Attendees will:
- Gain early insight into emerging findings
- Contribute to shaping how this work is applied in practice and policy
- Receive the final toolkit and policy briefing when released later in June
AHRC Hub for Public Engagement with Music Research Final Showcase
Tue 7 July, 2 – 4:30pm
BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff, Register here
A celebration of social justice-informed public engagement with music research, sharing outcomes from all three fantastic Spoke projects.
The AHRC Hub for Public Engagement with Music Research hub brings together leading music researchers, practitioners and social justice advocates to explore music as a powerful vehicle for change. Through creative, co‑produced approaches, we work with academics and communities to develop and deliver projects that inform outcomes and policy, addressing inequalities across music education and the industry while advancing the shared ambition that arts and music should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few.
This event will share the work of AHRC-funded public engagement with music research Spoke projects and provide opportunities for networking, reflection and discussion.
The event is open to all, with particular relevance for academics, musicians, arts sector professionals, arts funders, social justice activists, policymakers and music educators.
