Live music venue Mama Chen’s is one of seven recipients of a state government grant to support Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences.
Since signing the lease to the Footscray venue two years ago, Emily Chen and her mum (also known as Mama Chen) have hoped to make it a more inclusive space.
Applying for the Making Space Program, Mx Chen said the pair’s focus is to make the space as accessible as possible.
“A lot of music venues in Melbourne are not accessible, so that was a key thing for us,” they said.
“We spent all of our savings on making the space accessible to the point it is now but there is always more than you do and we are working on that.”
With a ramp entrance already installed, as well as railings and an accessible bathroom, the grant will mostly go towards better lighting.
“This grant is going to go towards better lighting on stage to benefit when we’ve got Auslan interpreters, they’re properly lit up and visible,” they said.
With the $50,000 grant, Mx Chen also plans on producing “high quality live streaming” for those who can’t make it out.
“Not everyone can actually get to the venue, so enjoying the gigs and performances from wherever you are is really important,” they said.
“The third part is better acoustic treatment throughout the bar since it is such an old building.”
Mx Chen said the high ceilings can muffle the sound and create an unforgettable experience, so improving the acoustics is very important.
“We are pretty excited, it’s stuff that we wanted to do from the start and just haven’t been able to afford to do, so its amazing.
“We have had comments from different parts of the disabled community and always try to take on their advice and do what we can where we can.”
Jennifer Pittorino
