Open Call: Co-design a new accessible musical instrument for your own musical practice!

About the project

We are excited to offer a paid opportunity for one Disabled musician to co-design a new accessible musical instrument as part of a research project. The research project is run by Hugh Aynsley, an instrument designer and PhD candidate from the University of the West of England (UWE). The selected participant will collaborate with Hugh to design an accessible musical instrument tailored to your own musical practice.

The project will involve five half-day workshops where the participant will engage in speculative design activities using AI tools. The researcher will create a 3D model of the new instrument and it will be iteratively refined based on your contributions to ensure it meets accessibility needs.

 

An example of a prototype of a 3D printed instrument and an AI generated instrument.
An example of a prototype of a 3D printed instrument and an AI generated instrument.

 

Musician’s fee

  • £168.00 per four-hour workshop
  • Total: £840.00 for 5 half-day workshops

Additional funds are available for accessible travel and presentation fees for sharing project outcomes at a DMLab event as well as a performance opportunity.

Access

The project is committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants and the following provisions will be available:

  • Wheelchair-accessible space
  • Orientation and support for visually impaired participants, provided by Hugh and/or your care/support worker, to make workshop materials and activities accessible
  • Break-out or quiet room
  • Accessible toilets and changing facilities

Eligibility

We invite applications from Disabled musicians interested in designing a new instrument for performance, regardless of your experience level in music or design. We particularly seek individuals with innovative ideas that address your specific access requirements.

How to apply

Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by 5pm (GMT) Friday, 15th November 2024. The form allows you to introduce yourself, outline your experience, and describe how how your design idea meets your access needs. You may also provide links to your work and upload sketches or images of your idea.

Please apply via this link.

Previous work

Check out Hugh’s previous previous instrument ‘Stretchi’

Questions

Please email Hugh2.aynsley@live.uwe.ac.uk with any questions about the opportunity.

This project is supported by DMLab London’s Seed Funding Grant 2023 and SSAHRC Impact Acceleration Award for the build of a new accessible musical instrument.