Accessible Arts & Media

Accessible Arts & Media We run fun, inclusive creative learning & wellbeing activities in and around York We’re Accessible Arts & Media, a small charity based in Chapelfields, York.

We’ve been delivering fun, inclusive creative learning projects in and around York since 1982. Our work’s built around the belief that everyone can learn, everyone can be creative, and everyone can play a part in their local community. They just need the right support, and that’s where we come in. We’ve got a vision for a more inclusive society, where everyone gets the chance to shine, and we’re h

elping to make that happen in York. Our projects include specialist creative sensory activities for people with complex disabilities, dementia and mental ill health; training programmes where learning-disabled adults and young people learn how to be workshop leaders; singing and signing choirs; accessible music-making groups; and creative media programmes that help people tell their stories

The people who take part in our sessions often face difficulty with everyday activities and can end up feeling isolated and cut off. Taking part in our projects helps them:

- explore and connect with the world around them, in a safe, supportive, fun environment;

- learn new skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives, including education, training and employment;

- connect with other people, making new friends along the way;

- grow the confidence to have more of a say in the things that matter to them;

- build emotional resilience;

- contribute to their local community through workshops, exhibitions, performances and film commissions;

- feel happier and healthier – being creative, socialising and having fun can all make you feel better. We use a person-centred approach. That means that all activities are tailored to the individual, supporting everyone to take part in the way that suits them best. We level the playing field by providing everyone with the support and space they need to have an equal say. And we make sure everyone has a lot of fun along the way!

We’re over the moon to welcome Tim Wheeler as our new Executive Director! Tim has spent more than 35 years working acros...
18/06/2026

We’re over the moon to welcome Tim Wheeler as our new Executive Director!

Tim has spent more than 35 years working across disability arts, culture, community engagement and organisational development.

He co-founded Mind the Gap, one of Europe’s leading learning disability theatre companies, and later led the development of All In, the UK and Ireland access scheme led by Arts Council England with the national arts councils of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The programme supports creative and cultural organisations to build access and involvement into everyday practice.

Tim brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the role of Executive Director. We’re all really looking forward to working with him, our participants and wider stakeholders over the next 18 months to shape AAM’s future.

You can find out more about Tim and his appointment on our website. We'll pop the link below in the comments.

And we hope you’ll all join us in wishing him a very warm welcome!

15/06/2026

Getting ready for ‘Summer Vibes’ with…Movers and Shakers 😎

It’s showtime! Grab your top hats as Movers and Shakers are bringing the razzle dazzle! 🎩

Be sure not to miss it - Saturday 4th July! Get your tickets via the comments below! ⬇️

08/06/2026

Getting ready for ‘Summer Vibes’ with…Hands and Voices! 😎

Grab your surfboards as we take a sneak peak at what Hands and Voices are working on for our next performance! 🏄🏻‍♂️

We can’t wait to see what other summer tunes they’ll bring! Are you joining us? Saturday 4th July!

If you haven’t already, grab your tickets via the comments below ⬇️

It’s national this week so we want to shout about our wonderful volunteers at AAM! 📣We couldn’t do what we do without ...
03/06/2026

It’s national this week so we want to shout about our wonderful volunteers at AAM! 📣

We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers, from performances to sessions and everything in between and behind the scenes! They bring fun, joy and so much commitment to the AAM family 🙌🏻

A massive THANK YOU for being AAM-azing, you are all superstars 🌟

You’re invited! AAM presents our summer performance, Summer Vibes! 😎Join us for a celebration of music, movement and co...
20/05/2026

You’re invited! AAM presents our summer performance, Summer Vibes! 😎

Join us for a celebration of music, movement and community as Movers and Shakers, IMPs and Hands and Voices come together for a joyful performance, along with spesical guests from Haxby Community Chorus! 🎶

Grab your tickets via our link in the comments below ⬇️ or drop us an email - [email protected]

It’s a relaxed event with no requirements to sit still or be quiet - just be yourself!

There will be tea and cakes plus a raffle and a chance to buy some AAM craft goodies made by our participants! If you are interested in baking and/or donating raffle prizes, get in touch too! 🍰

We hope to see you there!

Project Spotlight of the week 📣🌈Hannah and Griselda had a wonderful time at the York Health and Arts Mela! Sharing lovel...
18/05/2026

Project Spotlight of the week 📣🌈

Hannah and Griselda had a wonderful time at the York Health and Arts Mela! Sharing lovely sensory resources and having lots of fantastic conversations about our projects from creative to wellbeing!

Thank you so much for having us, what a fantastic day! 🙌🏻

Two weeks until our May half-term holiday club! Have you got your space yet? 😄Get ready to make some epic tunes with exc...
13/05/2026

Two weeks until our May half-term holiday club! Have you got your space yet? 😄

Get ready to make some epic tunes with exciting music technology! 🎛️ From recording our own sounds ready to play at the press of a switch to some crazy creative apps to make sounds you’ve never heard before 😮

We’ll also have our sensory ‘VIP’ area to chill out if you need a break from the main club! 😎

Our holiday clubs are fully inclusive and our interactive multi-sensory sessions (iMUSE) will be running alongside the group activity.

You can book your place via the booking form, accessed through the link in the comments below ⬇️

They are run from Clifton Explore Library, Radcliffe Drive, York, YO30 6NS

Sessions are £12 but we never want money to be a barrier, we have sibling discounts and subsidies places available - please get in touch if these apply

11/05/2026

Project Spotlight of the Week 📣🎭

Last week trainee Dan and Jodie went along to York Theatre Royal Access All Areas group to help with some song writing and got stuck into some drama too! Including getting a sneak peak on what they’ve been working on 😮

Thank you so much for having us, we had a blast! 👏🏻

Next weekend, Hannah and Griselda are excited to be joining yorkmela_eccs for the York Health and Arts Mela ! 👋🏻Come and...
06/05/2026

Next weekend, Hannah and Griselda are excited to be joining yorkmela_eccs for the York Health and Arts Mela ! 👋🏻

Come and say hi at our event stand, find out more about our projects including iMUSE (interactive multi sensory environment) for wellbeing and give it a go with our mini kits and some sensory fun, as well as looking round all the other great stands and performances that’ll be there on the day!

We look forward to seeing you there!

01/05/2026

Big love and thanks to Strange Pink - they're putting on a gig to raise money for AAM this October 💜

Rock fans - tickets are on sale now! 🤘

Address

Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive
York
YO306NS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441904626965

Website

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