Lorena Martínez Mier: Rethinking Accessibility in the Arts

Host Anna Robb sits down with cultural changemaker Lorena Martínez Mier—a creative producer, accessibility consultant, and the current Consortium Manager of Europe Beyond Access. With a career spanning work with the British Council, Mexico’s Cultural Ministry, and international festivals from AlUla to Veracruz, Lorena is reshaping the conversation around inclusion in the arts—one project, one policy, and one powerful performance at a time.

In this preview, Anna and Lorena unpack the evolution of the arts and disability movement, explore cross-cultural approaches to access, and reflect on the creative power of care, community, and disruptive artistry. From legislation to lived experience, from tech innovations to touring realities, they discuss how accessibility is more than a ramp—it’s a mindset.

Enjoy this glimpse into their thought-provoking exchange—and be sure to tune in next week for the full episode.

What does a Consortium Manager for Europe Beyond Access actually do?

Lorena Martinez Mier explains that her role as Consortium Manager involves coordinating 10 organizations across Europe under a Creative Europe-funded project focused on increasing accessibility in the arts. Her work spans multiple countries, each with unique legislation and cultural perspectives around disability and the arts. The job requires managing diverse teams and navigating complex, multicultural environments to support the development of disabled artists as creators—not just audience members.

How has the arts and disability movement evolved, and what challenges remain across cultures?

Lorena notes that the arts and disability movement began in the UK in the 1970s as a response to funding cuts for disabled people. Over the last 15–20 years, it’s grown globally. However, there is uneven progress across different countries. While Nordic nations are often assumed to be leaders in accessibility, she points out that Poland has surprisingly strong legislation supporting disabled artists. The real challenge, she says, lies in cultural differences and inconsistent policies—her work often involves bridging these gaps to build inclusive environments from country to country.

What are the most common mistakes arts organizations make when addressing accessibility?

The most frequent error, Lorena says, is treating accessibility as an afterthought—a “band-aid” added at the end of the process. This can result in poorly integrated access features, such as a sign language interpreter placed in a dimly lit corner without considering the aesthetics of the performance. Another misconception is believing in a “one-size-fits-all” model of accessibility. Lorena strongly emphasizes that every individual has different access needs, and that true inclusion comes from embedding accessibility at the very beginning of the creative process—not tacking it on afterward.

What steps can organizations take to begin improving accessibility?

Lorena offers a two-part approach:

Start with a self-assessment. Organizations need to understand their current accessibility levels and physical limitations. For example, if a green room on the third floor isn’t accessible and can’t be altered due to the building’s heritage status, perhaps the space should be relocated rather than ignored.

Focus on actionable change. Not everything can be fixed at once, but knowing what can be done is essential. She urges arts leaders to see accessibility as more than a ramp—it’s about creating systems that allow everyone, including backstage workers and creatives, to fully participate in the industry.

How can technology and care practices support a more inclusive arts sector?

Lorena highlights how technology is enhancing accessibility in practical and poetic ways. Tools like AI-generated captions, platforms that allow pinning of sign language interpreters, and innovative use of avatars in performance all contribute to inclusion. For example, in Sweden, a performance featured a live avatar signer operated remotely—demonstrating how tech can remove physical barriers.

Beyond tech, Lorena underscores the growing importance of care practices. Especially in Europe, disabled artists are pushing institutions to adopt slower, more supportive rhythms—especially during festivals and tours. Rather than rushing from one performance to the next, these care-centered models prioritize rest, communication, and negotiation, ultimately benefiting everyone in the industry, not just disabled participants.

Key Insights from the Podcast

1. Accessibility Must Be Integrated from the Start
Too often, accessibility is treated as an afterthought—a “band-aid” solution added just before showtime. Lorena stresses that true inclusion begins at the concept stage of any project, where access can shape and enhance the artistic process rather than disrupt it.

2. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Model
Accessibility isn’t universal—everyone has unique access needs, whether or not they identify as disabled. Recognizing this diversity is essential to building inclusive environments, especially across different cultural and legislative landscapes.

3. The Arts and Disability Movement Is Global, but Uneven
While the movement began in the UK in the 1970s, different countries are at different stages of progress. Some nations with strong reputations for social policy may lag behind others in practical inclusion. Cross-cultural work requires both empathy and adaptability.

4. Technology Is a Game-Changer—but So Is Care
From subtitles and sign language avatars to poetic audio description and AI translation, technology offers powerful tools for inclusion. But equally important are care practices—creating flexible touring rhythms, safe spaces, and time for rest—to support artists with access needs.

5. Representation Sparks Transformation
Lorena shares the story of an actress who didn’t initially identify as disabled, but through artistic engagement, grew into a leader and role model. Her journey underscores the importance of visibility and how inclusive platforms can reshape lives and empower future generations.

Main Image: Courtesy of europebeyondaccess.com