Published on July 9, 2025
Hackney, London - Three Hackney grassroots music venues - Vortex, SJQ, and Paper Dress Vintage have undergone transformational audio-inclusive upgrades, setting a new benchmark for accessible live music experiences. Spearheaded by the pioneering initiative Sownd Affects, and bolstered by funding from Arts Council England, this project aims to make live music more inclusive for the one in three individuals sensitive to noise, including those who are neurodivergent, hard of hearing, or living with conditions like misophonia.
The initiative’s holistic approach to audio inclusivity combines the science of how sound behaves in spaces with the human impact it has on wellbeing, focus and health of staff and customers.
Each venue has undergone a combination of enhancements based on data collection by University of Southampton and state of the art acoustic treatments by leading UK firm, Oscar Acoustics. Staff training and workshops were carried out to nurture an ongoing sound conscious culture that is truly inclusive, whereby the spaces become sound friendly rather than noise disruptive and accessible for the third of the population who is sensitive to noise.
“We believe audio inclusivity isn’t just about addressing problems - it’s about unlocking joy and connection for everyone. When we adapt spaces so they can host inclusive events, it’s not simply about lowering the volume or creating silence. It’s a thoughtful, science and human-led approach that designs environments and nurtures an ongoing culture to avoid overwhelming the senses, so the focus stays on what truly matters: the joy of the experience.” Marion Marincat, Co-founder, Sownd Affects.
Each venue will celebrate their upgrade with a series of monthly live acoustic gigs, specially curated for the noise sensitive community, aligning with Hackney Council's mission to foster a more inclusive borough.
The transformation is amazing. My staff previously experienced difficulty in focusing and mental fatigue after a shift when the bar is loud and busy. They can now easily hear and communicate with customers, which I believe will lead to a happier workforce. As a noise sensitive person myself (I have ADHD) I am so proud to be able to deliver these audio inclusive experiences that more of our community will be able to enjoy. It really is an exciting development for our business that I feel privileged to receive." Alice Passey, owner of SJQ
Leading specialists, Oscar Acoustics were so moved by the cause (the MD has tinnitus so resonates with the need for audio inclusive spaces also) have personally invested over £20k into the project to supplement The Arts Council Funding, providing each venue with substantial audio upgrades to their spaces.
Oscar Acoustics is proud to champion audio inclusion in the arts. As someone who lives with tinnitus, I understand the barriers noise can create. Our mission is to design spaces where everyone can experience the magic of live music - comfortably and safely. This project proves what’s possible when cultural institutions, technology leaders, and local government work together.” Ben Hancock, Managing Director, Oscar Acoustics.
The Sownd Affects initiative has previously garnered attention with London's first Hearing Wellness Festival in March 2025, emphasizing the importance of accessible auditory experiences. Supported by organizations like the UK Noise Association, ADHD UK, and the Environmental Business Network, the initiative continues to champion inclusive practices in the arts.
"Hackney is proud to be at the forefront of cultural innovation that puts inclusivity at its heart. These audio-inclusive upgrades across three of our much-loved grassroots music venues represent a major step towards our mission to make Hackney the UK’s first truly audio-inclusive borough. Everyone deserves to enjoy live music in a way that respects their sensory needs, and this project reflects our ongoing commitment to building a borough where no one is excluded from the cultural life of our community." Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney
This project exemplifies how collaborative efforts between cultural institutions, technology providers, and academic researchers can create environments where everyone, regardless of sensory preferences, can enjoy the richness of live music. By helping venues and organizations create more welcoming environments, Sownd Affects is reshaping public spaces to ensure everyone can engage with music, culture, and community experiences in a way that suits their noise needs, because sound really does affect us.
For more information, to book tickets to the audio inclusive live music gigs and to learn more about audio inclusivity and experiences curated for the noise sensitive, visit sownd.co.uk