Wheelchair access shouldn't cost extra - culture belongs to everyone!
Submission date 03/09/2025
PURPOSE : We believe that culture should be for everyone-not just those who can afford to pay for access, and not just those who can walk through a door. We are calling on the luxembourgish Parliament to recognise this barrier and work with communities to find a fair, inclusive solution-whether through subsidised access to accessible venues, public cultural spaces, or infrastructure support for small event organisers.
What We're Asking For
We're calling on the luxembourgish Parliament to work with communities and make culture accessible for everyone. Here are some practical steps that would make a real difference:
1. Accessible public spaces for culture
Community centres, school auditoriums, libraries, or other publicly-owned venues could be opened up as fully accessible cultural hubs.
➡️ This would mean a young comedian, poet, or musician could put on a show without worrying about stairs-or about whether their audience can get in the door.
2. Support for private venues
Offer financial help-through tax breaks, grants, or subsidies-to bars, cafés, and restaurants that invest in accessibility and agree to host community events without charging extra.
➡️ This would mean small cultural events could happen in popular, central spaces, instead of being shut out by high costs.
3. Micro-grants for event organisers
Provide small grants for organisers who want to rent accessible venues but can't afford commercial rates.
➡️ This would mean grassroots collectives wouldn't have to choose between accessibility and survival.
4. One platform for all venues citing accessibility infrastructure
Create a central online platform where organisers can find up-to-date information on all venues and locations that includes their accessibility infrastructure, i.e. step-free access, toilets, hearing loops, quiet spaces, etc. The features/infrastucture would be self-reported by venues thus avoiding the need for costly external accessibility audits. It could be validated by the community to ensure accuracy.
➡️ This would mean less wasted time searching, less frustration-and more energy put into creating events people love.
5. Listening to disabled voices
Set up a working group of disabled artists, performers, and event organisers to help shape long-term accessibility strategy.
➡️ This would mean policies are built on lived experience-not assumptions-and that solutions actually work in practice.
Each of these steps is achievable. Together, they would open the doors-literally-to a cultural life where no one is excluded because of disability or money.