In this post, Ellie Tillotson (PhD researcher and Artistic Director of Toolbox Drama Cic) reflects on her role as an international mentor for a Cultural Hackathon at the Ugala theatre in Viljandi, Estonia.
Accessible culture is a proactive and consistent approach to inclusivity. In the context of event planning and production, this means that a commitment to accessibility should be intrinsic to the core values and practices of event organisers. As a researcher and a creative practitioner working alongside adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities, accessible culture not only informs my artistic practice but also my approach to collaboration and coproduction in research. I was therefore excited to both contribute to and learn from a Hackathon exploring accessible culture, organised by Keiu Virro, a researcher at Tallinn University who explores the impact of accessible culture.
The Cultural Hackathon, Estonia
A Hackathon is a collaborative event, exploring creative ideas to identify solutions to a common goal or challenge. In this instance, six production teams sought to explore creative approaches in producing accessible theatre. Hackathons (the combination of ‘hack’ and ‘marathon’) can be labour and time intensive, however the primary focus is to navigate ideas as a collective. For this event, teams consisted of disabled and non-disabled theatre makers, producers, directors, technicians and theatre goers who brought to discussions their lived experience as a person with a disability, and / or their experience as an industry creative.
Each team developed a theatrical concept to explore collaboratively over two consecutive days. International mentors, including myself, acted as creative and inclusive ‘sounding boards’ whilst conceptual ideas developed into theatrical proposals. Estonian mentors offered insights into coproduction methods and collaborative working.
Across two days, production teams worked towards a theatrical sharing of their investigations. Groups utilised dance and movement, script work, music, AI generated images and live video gaming to creatively illustrate their concepts. One production team contextualised their idea using the theatre’s landscape – with a short enactment taking place by the creek, which we observed through the theatre’s windows. It was inspiring to see such innovative and novel means of presenting ideas.
Insights into Accessible Culture
The Hackathon highlighted the importance of lived experience within accessible culture. The event placed lived experience central to the development of new ideas, in doing so, informed discussions about accessibility were able to emerge and discussions were rooted in curiosity, empathy and first-hand knowledge. The event supported all contributors’ voices to be both heard and celebrated – with collaborators holding equal ownership over the creative ideas as they developed and strengthened.
Accessible culture is an evolving concept. The Hackathon illustrated how adopting flexible approaches to planning and event delivery allows organisers to proactively respond to access barriers as they arise. This event highlighted how accessible culture aims to be adaptable and responsive – not a singular activity which takes place ahead of an event, it is an ongoing commitment and priority.
How The Hackathon Fostered Accessibility
By nature, a Hackathon is an intense experience. For this event, production teams engaged in lengthy discussions about accessible theatre practices. Teams were invited to attend regular check-ins to share their progress, and whilst these were often joyous and celebratory experiences, the event itself required us to follow a rigid schedule. I was curious to see how the Hackathon experience would encourage mindful pacing and self-care.
Whilst the event itself required a rigid approach to time, event organisers implemented a flexible approach to space. Production teams had the freedom to utilise the theatre spaces as they required – meeting their own accessibility requirements. The event saw production teams establishing workspaces which met their sensory preferences, access requirements and sparked their creative energy. For example, some teams choose to take their conversations outdoors – utilising the elements to inspire their work and their planning process. Others grounded themselves on the theatre’s floor – surrounding themselves with written and illustrative papers documenting their ideas. Over time, I noticed that each group found their rhythm in planning as a collective.
Accessible culture within the context of this event also highlighted the importance of an individualised approach to accessibility. A Hackathon can be fast-paced and / or labour intensive. This way of working can lead to fatigue, burn-out and over stimulation. The event was delivered in a way which prioritised rest and moments of stillness. The relaxation room was a particular highlight for attendees, frequently used by production teams and mentors alike. The space was dimly lit, with soft textures and low noise. Having a dedicated space to decompress and recharge was a necessity and encouraged collaborators to slow down and preserve energy. This space was highlighted at various points over the two days, encouraging contributors to consider their wellbeing and preservation over the project duration.
Final reflections
Accessible culture is an ongoing commitment to accessibility, not a singular task to be completed ahead of a project or event. Maintaining this commitment requires organisers to be flexible and responsive to needs as they arise, and to consider inclusivity as a core value of the event. The Hackathon was a wonderful example of how accessible culture should be celebrated and viewed as an empowering tool which enables the wider participation of contributors with lived experience of disability.
Photography by: Annika Vihmann and Keiu Virro
