INCLUSION IN MUSIC INDUSTRY EVENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

People with hearing impairments deserve the opportunity to attend and fully enjoy the same cultural events as the rest of society. Since one of the goals of Latvian the cultural strategy is to make culture accessible to the whole society, it is important to research this topic from different aspects. This article investigates the possibilities of inclusion and experience enhancement of people with hearing impairments in the context of events in the music industry. The theoretical part summarizes insights about inclusion approaches, potential solutions, and benefits and barriers to their implementation. The empirical part of the study analyzes the consumption habits and experiences of people with hearing impairments in music industry events. Working together with the relevant audience and industry experts, needs, opportunities, solutions, and potential obstacles are identified. As a result, music industry event organizers, representatives, and other stakeholders are provided with proposals that contribute to the inclusion of this target audience and the improvement of the experience through social innovation.  The author has created guidelines for a successful implementation of social innovations, that could build a positive brand image of the music industry and the participating organizations, expand the range of consumers, and as a result, contribute to the industry's overall social and economic growth.