At the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, opening the arts to more people is bringing the Faculty of Humanities’ commitment to social responsibility to life. As we look ahead to the 2027 Making a Difference Awards, we revisit how Alex Shaw and the Centre’s inclusive programme are helping local communities feel welcome in the University’s performance spaces. 

In 2024, Alex Shaw, Arts Administration Manager in the Martin Harris Centre, received funding from the University’s Humanities Strategic Civic Engagement Fund (HSCEF) to develop her successful programme of relaxed performances and make the venue as inclusive and accessible as possible for people across the city. 

The HSCEF is the Faculty of Humanities’ flagship social responsibility funding scheme, supporting projects inspired by the University’s Greater Manchester location that aim to improve communities across the city-region. The Centre’s work shows how this support can help turn a commitment to inclusion into practical opportunities for people to connect through music and performance. 

After being inspired by the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia-friendly arts guide, Alex created a three-pronged approach to improving accessibility in the Centre: focusing on people, the Centre’s environment, and its programme of events. 

Alex became a Dementia Friends Ambassador and rolled out information sessions to as many stakeholders as possible, as well as asking Dementia activist Joy Watson and staff from the Manchester Deaf Centre to audit the space. From there, Alex created a visual guide to the Centre to help people prepare themselves before visiting and decided on the relaxed performance format to break down barriers for anyone intimidated by a concert hall. 

Their first event, a festive sing-along, was a huge success, and Alex continued to build upon this momentum, inviting a member of staff from Sign Me Happy to support further events, as well as a BSL Signing Choir from a local primary school. The festive sing-along will repeat this year! 

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Alex said: “It makes a difference to people to give them a space to be themselves without judgement and it’s so powerful. That’s what this was about for me – engaging with our community.” 

With the support of organisations, schools and libraries across Manchester, the diverse audience has continued to grow, and the Martin Harris Centre has become a safe space for visitors from all walks of life. 

Alex continues to look to the future, hoping to expand their reach even further: “As a creative space, we have to lead by example and show that it’s for everybody. No matter who you are, you’ve got this really big, open, wide scope of opportunity.” 

This commitment was recognised at the 2026 Making a Difference Awards, where the Martin Harris Centre: Breaking Barriers won in the ‘Outstanding professional services for social responsibility’ category. Watch the award-winning project’s film to find out more about its approach to accessibility, inclusion and community engagement. 

Inspired by Alex’s story? The 2027 Making a Difference Awards celebrate the social responsibility achievements of colleagues, students, alumni and external partners across the University. Entries are now open and close on 12 January 2027. Whether your work brings communities together through the arts or makes a difference in another way, explore the Awards and help celebrate the people turning social responsibility into action.  

Following the success of their recent events, the team have organised another relaxed performance festive sing-along  in the Martin Harris Centre on Friday, 4 December 2026, from 11-11:50am (doors 10:30am). This event is free and open to all members of the public. Booking is essential for groups of 10 people or more, and the event is first come first served. 

• To book please email boxoffice@manchester.ac.uk or call 0161 275 8951 
• View the Martin Harris Centre’s programme of events 
• Enter the Making a Difference Awards 2027