Government appoints champion for arts and culture to tackle issues faced by disabled people

Issues faced by disabled people in accessing arts and culture will be tackled under a new position created by the government.

Andrew Miller is the newly appointed champion for the arts and culture sector, announced by the minister for disabled people, health and work, Sarah Newton.

He joins a number of champions who have already been appointed across various industries to help address issues faced by disabled people, both as customers and employees.

As champion for the arts and culture, Miller – who is a national council member for Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales – will be tasked with promoting the “benefits of being inclusive to disabled people”.

He said: “Attitudes to disability are being transformed across the cultural sector, but my appointment to this role signifies that more needs to be done.”

He said he would look to address training, levels of employment and the number of disabled people in leadership roles.

Newton said he would help ensure “disabled people can enjoy activities that many others take for granted”.