There’s some trepidation travelling to an unfamiliar city, to cover an arts fest, and all in 33 hours! But how could I resist. University of Atypical’s Bounce Festival was made for us! A 100% disabled and neurodiverse led enterprise matches our ethos perfectly.
Of course Easyjet meant that I was late for the launch, and had to slip in during the speeches. But within half-an-hour I was made to feel like one of the family. Participation lead Deirdre McKenna introducing me to everyone with such genuine kindness. It’s the antithesis of somewhere like Edinburgh Fringe, where producers are ideologically moneymakers. Here the emphasis is on the artists, making sure people had their access needs fulfilled – having fun!
Damien Coyle, the artistic director took me to lunch and even chauffeured me at points. Within eight hours, I felt totally at ease with everyone at Bounce. After the evening concert, I was chatting away, and making small talk (high praise, as I hate making small talk).
Accommodating a disabled journalist from Edinburgh, isn’t without its teething issues. Something that is a general issue for disabled led companies. I spoke to Jo Verrant (Senior producer for Unlimited) about how we need to have back-ups. There needs to be failsafes in case we burn out or becoming unwell during engagements.
I found it overwhelming at points. There’s a lot of getting from A to B, although Bounce were always on hand to help. By the Saturday I was fatigued. There were issues with the Lyric Belfast, whose staff need disability training (or a refresher). These were issues out of Bounce’s control. In fact their Crescent Arts Hub, was so accessible, that to step outside, returned you to the ableist majority.
Bounce’s model is one for every festival. I was so grateful to be a part of it, and hope I will do again. Thank you for having me, here’s to another 10 years!
Simon Jay was at Bounce 2022
