Hackney grassroots venues are undergoing transformative audio-inclusive changes at the end of June to create accessible live music experiences.
Upgrades at Vortex, SJQ and Paper Dress Vintage have been funded by The Arts Council, using the initiative’s unique SOWND method (Scan, Observe, Wireframe, Nurture, Deliver).
The changes have been made possible by Sownd Affects, an initiative created by a profoundly deaf Hackney resident.
Sownd Affects founder Marion Marincat said: “For many, being in public spaces can be overwhelming, and when it becomes a chronic problem, it stops people from functioning in their day to day lives.
“Sound affects how we feel and how our minds work, especially for people who are noise-sensitive, which is a third of the population.”
Sownd Affects ran a hearing wellness festival in Hackney in March to celebrate audio inclusivity with guest speakers, acoustic acts, interactive talks from a Noble Prize winner and members of the venues being upgraded.
Long-term exposure to environmental noise contributes to 12,000 premature deaths annually in Europe alone and chronic exposure to noise has been linked to increased stress, poor sleep, and even cardiovascular disease, according to the World Health Organization.
Staff training, workshops and tailored acoustic solutions are being carried out by leading experts, such as architectural acoustic specialists, Oscar Acoustics.
Oscar Acoustics managing director Ben Hancock said: “Wouldn’t it be nice if more venues took this on board?
“If they see the success then it will be a great thing.
“I have tinnitus myself and I struggle in noisy environments so this means a lot to me.
“If I can come to these venues as well and be able to have a conversation with people it’s going to be great.”
Alongside funding from the Arts Council, Oscar Acoustics has personally invested £30k towards the upgrades.
SJQ Owner Alice Passey said: “I’m really really happy and excited about the development.
“The upstairs bar gets extremely noisy and the acoustic treatment will deaden the sound and make such a huge impact for my staff – they’re going to get the benefit from this treatment.
“I think this really opens the door for a lot more people to enjoy music.
“Personally I’m quite sensitive to noise myself with ADHD so little things can really be quite jarring so this inclusivity with these treatments will make it a lot easier on one’s being.”
Feature image: Vortex Jazz Club, credit Ian Dingle
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