THIS week’s event at Falmouth University is a look – just before the festival season – at how new haptic technology could make live music and events more accessible for people who are Deaf or disabled.

The Live Audience Accessibility & Augmentation (LAAA) sessions will include live music performances augmented with haptic technology, such as a new interactive flooring system that translates any sound into felt vibration, as well as sensory immersion vests.

There will also be talks and workshops in collaboration with local and international partners.

On Wednesday, May 17, In Place of War, a global organisation that uses creativity in places of conflict as a tool for positive change will be hosting ‘Around the World in 80 Raves’, featuring live performances from Ghetto Orange and Lobisen.

There will also be an ‘in-conversation’ session with Suzanne Bull, founder of Attitude is Everything, and Adrian Bossey, Head of Business & Experience Design at Cornwall Business School, discussing how access can be improved to live music for performers and audiences who are Deaf or disabled.

On Thursday, May 18, between 10am and 1pm, ASONE Hub will be running Deaf Rave DJ workshops for schools and community groups. The event will allow participants to experience sensory immersion vests and haptic flooring technology.

Then, on Friday, May 19, a trio of events including talks and demonstrations will explore the potential of haptic technology and how it can transform the culture and tourism industries.

  • ‘Feeling the World Through Sound’ is by researchers working at the intersection of soundscape ecology, aural diversity, voice studies, and sound-based composition. 'Haptic Thresholds’ is an experiment in how the body feels and knows through corporeal encounters with frequencies and vibration.
  • Accessing Culture & Tourism, an in-conversation event with Rowan James, founder of Beat Blocks, exploring increasing access to live music and culture/visitor attractions for performers and audiences who are Deaf or disabled.
  • Haptic flooring demonstration for local businesses considering enhancing their provision to people who are Deaf or disabled. featuring student performers Achilles Heal + The Beau Bennett Collective.

The events are free and everyone is welcome, especially those with an interest or role in live music events, visitor attractions, cultural organisations, tourism businesses, and community groups.

Event organiser, Adrian Bossey, Head of Business and Experience Design at Falmouth University said: "I hope that the series of LAAA events will raise the profile of haptic technologies and accessibility for people who are Deaf or disabled to the live music industry and will contribute towards the development of a more inclusive live music industry."