Disabled Ravers Network (DRN) is seeking submissions from disabled, neurodivergent and Deaf artists for a new database.
The first-of-its-kind database will shine a light on disabled talent from Manchester and the North of England in a bid to “make the rave accessible.”
Electronic music creatives who identify as disabled, neurodivergent or Deaf are invited to submit their details through an online form, which will be used to create a profile with their portfolio, social media and work credentials. The database aims to connect these artists with a variety of opportunities within the rave scene, including festivals, venues, and other industry events.
It’s the latest project to be launched by the Disabled Ravers Network, founded by Manchester-based DJ, producer and promoter The Fat Britney in 2024.
“DRN was born out of a project I was involved with run by [queer block party] Homobloc last year,” The Fat Britney told DJ Mag. “They gave artists, DJs, community groups etc. a club space and access to mentoring and similar. It came from a feeling of frustration at how disability wasn’t ever acknowledged or held up in this rave space.
“I’m physically disabled, as well as autistic and I live with depression and anxiety, I’ve also been involved in the rave space in Manchester since I was about 17, and over that time have had a load of conversations about where we fit in and how disability is often overlooked,” she explained.
The Fat Britney was inspired to launch “the first database of disabled individuals involved in raving” after being asked to recommend a disabled artist to replace her at a DJ gig she was double booked for. “I obviously did know loads of disabled artists, but I started wondering about what it would look like if there was a network of us sharing these opportunities and similar,” she shared. “Rather than a few disabled artists getting the crumbs.”
The Disabled Raver Database is open to “anyone who identifies with the label of disability, in any shape or form,” and will form part of the network’s wider mission to make the UK rave scene more accessible and inclusive.
“We believe that Manchester and the North has a huge groundswell of disabled excellence and talent. We want to channel that and create a network to make the rave accessible,” the collective shared on their Instagram page.
“Why? Because everyone deserves a chance to be involved in the rave. Because everyone deserves their first shot. Because it’s harder to say you don’t see us when we’re right in front of you.”
When asked what the electronic music industry can do to better support disabled, neurodivergent and Deaf artists, The Fat Britney shared: “Book us. Keep booking us and keep looking at your line up’s. Challenge yourselves on the venues you’re using, we’re all sick of raves and parties at the tops or bottoms of flights of stairs with no lift or feasible way of us sometimes even physically getting through the door. Work with us, bring us in and we will always help you to make your spaces more equitable and disabled friendly.”
The Disabled Ravers Network hosted its first in-person event in October at Salford venue, Islington Mill. The event brought together disabled ravers, DJs, promoters, dancers, performers and allies to network and engage in conversations about their work, projects, ambitions and ways to improve access within the rave. Individuals can join the network’s official Whatsapp group to stay up to date with future community events.
“I’m a complete dreamer, so my visions are of DRN festival takeovers and all sorts of silly adventures,” The Fat Britney shared on her future plans for the network. “But for now we’re busy working on creating the new database, as well as a similar project for venues that class themselves as accessible that should go live shortly.”
Find out more about the Disabled Raver Database below, and submit your details here. You can stay up to date with the network via Instagram.
Revisit DJ Mag’s feature exploring why there are so many neurodivergent people in electronic music here.