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BIME 2025 receives quality certification for its commitment to universal accessibility in the music industry

The event implemented physical, sensory, and cognitive measures in collaboration with the Music for All Foundation, allowing people with functional diversity to fully enjoy the professional sessions and live concerts. BIME Bilbao 2025 has been recognized with the “Quality Seal: Accessibility in Music Events,” a certification that acknowledges the event’s commitment to inclusion and the removal of physical and communication barriers. During the sessions held on October 28 and 29 at the Euskalduna Palace, and in its live music activities, the organization deployed a “universal design” strategy to ensure that all attendees could participate safely, comfortably, and independently. The main goal of this initiative, developed in collaboration with the Music for All Foundation and third-sector organizations, has been to promote a music industry where enjoyment and participation are guaranteed for all attendees, regardless of their abilities. Audit and environment adaptation According to the accessibility assessment report conducted after the event, all stages of the attendee experience were analyzed based on DALCO criteria (Mobility, Grasp, Localization, and Communication). Among the highlighted measures at Euskalduna Palace, accessible routes were ensured to connect horizontally and vertically the main entrance with key spaces, such as conference rooms and restrooms. Signage played a fundamental role in orientation, with clear indications on the floor and signs on railings and elevators to identify floors and activities. Additionally, information desks and accreditation counters were adapted with lowered sections to facilitate interaction for wheelchair users. Technology for sensory accessibility The event placed special emphasis on sensory and cognitive accessibility. During the concerts, a “Music for All Point” was set up where support materials were available for loan, such as vibrating backpacks, induction loops, and noise-canceling headphones. Sign language interpreters (SLI) were also present in some conference activities and concerts. Success in live concerts The live music program, BIME Live, took place on October 28 at the Bilborock Hall, a space that, according to the report, allowed barrier-free movement. Concerts by artists Motherflowers, Arroba Nat, and Jess Baez were accessible, with sign language interpreters and preferential spaces near the stage for people with hearing or mobility impairments. To validate the impact of these measures, it is essential to hear the voices of attendees. Henar Pascual Villanueva, a member of the Gregorio Ybarra association, is deaf, a pedagogue, an IT specialist, and holds master’s degrees in accessibility and disability. After attending, she shared her positive feedback: "I had my first experience using a vibrating vest at a musical concert in Bilborock, which also had a sign language interpreter on stage. This experience was very enjoyable." Henar also points out the path for the sector: "Future challenges will be the development of more effective vibrating accessories and collaborative work to establish an accessibility guide. Step by step, we will make concerts increasingly inclusive." The success of these initiatives is reflected in the numbers: thanks to collaboration with local associations such as Gorabide, Aransgi, and Ulertuz, a total of 27 people from these organizations attended the concerts. The report highlights that 18 of these attendees used the available support materials, and more than 20 people with disabilities could enjoy live music thanks to these measures. The report concludes that implementing all these accessibility measures, beyond what current legislation requires, guarantees an “accessibility chain” that benefits all attendees, establishing BIME as a benchmark for inclusion in the cultural sector.