In the wake of this year’s World Health Day, Izzy Bassett explores how unknowingly the music industry is creating a pocket of ableism and why ticketing platform DICE is a lead trend-setter in helping breach some of these limitations

As the sun begins to poke out from behind the pesky clouds, its rays lights up the sky just in time for World Health Day this April. A day where all matters of health are worldly acknowledged, celebrated, and exposed. Mental health is a huge part of world health and public wellbeing. Neurodivergence (a non-medical umbrella term that describes people with variation in their mental functions) falls under this umbrella and should be explored more socially. While a day isn’t long enough to celebrate and embrace the different ways neurodivergents perceive the world, it’s the perfect time to highlight how far we’ve come and what we can still do to improve the music industry to incorporate more inclusivity to all. 

I know to a lot of people, myself included, the word “divergent” reminds me of Veronica Roth’s iconic Divergent series and it is, in fact, almost the perfect analogy for being neurodivergent. The idea that divergents don’t fit into one category, they fit into all of them because they work differently. The music industry is a place where anyone can creatively express anything, and it makes sense that research shows that 30% of those in the music industry are neurodivergent. Music isn’t a linear process, it’s not straightforward and is full of perfect mess. In 2022, AFEM found that 58% of participants in an electronic music survey had some kind of neurodiverse condition.

But despite neurodiverse artists representing around a third of the music industry, there are still limitations set out against the neurodiverse community, especially in the live music sector. Sometimes neurodivergent people struggle in crowded and loud environments, often getting overstimulated. A lot of the time lights feel brighter, sounds are extremely loud, and crowds can feel too claustrophobic. Although there are things that can be self-provided such as earplugs or having to find a quiet safe space, it can often negatively impact the experience of live music. Unknowingly the music industry is creating a pocket of ableism especially when 15- 20% of the world population is neurodivergent. 

However, amongst the throw of companies and music industry personnel, ticketing platform DICE is a lead trend-setter in helping breach some of these limitations. DICE is on a mission to get people out more, taking huge steps to make live events more accessible and friendly for those who may find big concerts intimidating. The platform has been making waves in the ticketing industry for music lovers since 2014 creating a fairer and more inclusive environment for all involved. Along with their comically cute DICE icon, they have a platform full of events for everyone and every interest. With 49% of their leadership identifying as women and 46% identifying as men, you know DICE knows how a thing or to about levelling the playing field. 

Amongst their inclusive workforce, DICE works closely with venues and charities to help bring that inclusivity into live events and help make concerts more enjoyable to neurodiverse minds. Spectrum is a bi-monthly queer club night at Dalston Superstore enabling neurodivergent club-goers to enjoy the nightclub vibe without all the added stress of going out. Founded by Meshi Askar- Harris and Maze Bracher, the monthly event provides a safe space for people who want to indulge in the sweaty realms of a classic nightclub but still enjoy their night by having speaker volume capped at 86 decibels, banning strobe lighting, and limiting capacity to allow event-goers to dance freely in their own space.  

Another one of DICE’s fantastically sponsored venues is The Clapham Grand, a South London vevne that’s long hosted off-the-hook nights and shows. The iconic palace has incorporated an accessibility policy. And while the building is listed and no structural changes can be made, the team has made small internal switches that make all the difference such as being able to jump the queue to avoid stress or arriving ahead of doors opening to settle in before the crows swarm. The venue even keeps one of the premium theatre boxes free for attendees who want to avoid the crowds, all free of charge. 

The final major partner DICE works with is Diverse UK, a charity that focuses on social connection for people with autism. They were able to organise Glastonbury’s first sensory calm space allowing festival go-ers to have an area where they can relax in relative silence, and use weighted blankets, sensory toys and ear defenders. This allows people with autism to enjoy what neuro-typical people can and still have respite if needed. These spaces have since been implemented at the Secret Garden Party, Broadmasters, and Reading and Leeds Festival. 

As DICE rolls hard towards a more inclusive industry, there is hope other venues and companies will follow suit making changes to make music a safe space for all minds.

You can read more about DICE’s work designing for a difference over at their website.