In 2022, to mark the 10th anniversary of the London 2012 Paralympics, Bucks Culture and the National Paralympic Heritage Trust led an exciting collaborative project. Together We Build brought creative and cultural partners together with the disability community in Buckinghamshire. Over the course of the project, 14 organisations:
- Took part in sector-leading inclusion training
- Worked alongside community curators with lived experience of disability and neurodiversity
- Delivered a multi-site exhibition and accessible events
- Developed a virtual gallery
- Benefitted from access audits
This work culminated in the creation of the Inclusion and Access Manifesto—a shared commitment to embedding accessibility and inclusive practice across the cultural sector.
The National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT) was a key partner in the initiative, building on its mission to protect and share Britain’s Paralympic heritage. The project was made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Buckinghamshire Council.
Impact in Bucks
In Summer 2025 we asked partners across Bucks to share the work they had been doing to improve disability access in their organisations. We are excited to share the actions they have taken and the impact of that work in this film.
Why the Manifesto Matters
The Manifesto exists to ensure the learning, training, and collaboration from Together We Build translates into lasting change.
It aligns with the Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy, which aims to make Buckinghamshire the most accessible county for cultural participation. It also supports the county’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy.
Our vision:
- All creative and cultural organisations in Bucks signed up to the Manifesto
- Every organisation actively improving access and inclusion in their practice
Turning Commitment into Action
Signing the Manifesto is the first step. Real progress comes from ongoing support, shared learning, and visible results.
Currently, take-up beyond the original Together We Build partners is limited. That’s why Bucks Culture and NPHT are working to:
- Promote the benefits of signing up
- Share knowledge and tools with organisations who were not part of the original project
- Build a framework that helps organisations put inclusive principles into practice
The Inclusion & Access Framework
To bring the Manifesto to life, we are developing a practical framework that will provide:
- A peer network focused on access and inclusion
- Training, advice, and resources tailored to organisational needs
- Clear pathways to action through visual tools and guides
- Annual networking and knowledge-sharing events
- Case studies and data to demonstrate progress across the sector
This framework will be launched on the Bucks Culture website, alongside a simple sign-up process and tools for organisations to begin or deepen their journey.
Next Steps
Over the next year, Bucks Culture and NPHT will:
- Host a Disability Access Summit on 3rd October 2025 focused on revisiting pledges, sharing good practice and informing the framework
- Revisit and refresh the Manifesto language and presentation as needed
- Develop clear visual aids and a clear sign-up process
- Actively promote opportunities and chart progress across the county
- Commit to annual training and events that celebrate achievements and drive further change
Join the Movement
The Inclusion & Access Manifesto is more than a pledge—it’s a pathway to creating a more open, equitable, and inspiring cultural sector for all.
You must be logged in to post a comment.