Tuning-in: My first few months at Accessible Arts & Media
Image: Tim (standing third from the left) with staff, trustees, participants and members of the Civic Party at our Summer Vibes gig
Our Executive Director, Tim Wheeler, reflects on his first few months at AAM:
When I go to see a play or pick up a book, there is often a moment at the beginning when I am not quite ‘in’ it yet. I can see or hear what is happening, but I am still learning its rhythm, language and pace. Then, gradually, something shifts. The world of the work opens up. What initially felt distant becomes immediate and alive.
Joining a new organisation feels much the same.
Since arriving at Accessible Arts & Media as Executive Director, I have spent my first few weeks discovering a rich and vibrant world of creativity, care and connection.
I’ve joined an iMUSE session, spent time with Movers & Shakers, seen Hands & Voices in action and experienced the energy of our Summer Vibes gig, where I caught up with performers from IMPs. Each group has its own character and purpose, while contributing to a much bigger shared story.
What has stood out most is the warmth of the people. Participants, staff, volunteers, families and supporters all contribute to a culture that is immediately welcoming, even before you fully understand its depth and complexity. There is humour, generosity, patience and a deep commitment to ensuring that everyone can take part and belong.
One message has become increasingly clear: creativity changes lives.
Whether someone comes to AAM to make music, perform, build confidence, make friends or simply find a place where they belong, they are given space to express themselves and be recognised for who they are. Belonging is not an abstract idea here. It is something lived and shared every day.
As my understanding has deepened, I have also been thinking about how more people might discover and connect with AAM’s work.
AAM already creates extraordinary experiences for participants, families, friends and long-standing supporters. The next stage of our journey is about reaching new audiences, partners and communities who have not yet had the opportunity to experience that work.
When disabled artists create work that reaches beyond familiar circles, something important happens. Expectations shift. Artistic ambition grows. Confidence strengthens. Public understanding begins to change.
This is not about changing who we are. It is about greater clarity, ambition and reach. It is about ensuring that disabled artists are recognised not only for taking part, but for the quality, imagination and power of the work they create, work that deserves to be heard, seen and widely valued.
Alongside this artistic ambition, essential work is happening behind the scenes. Strong governance, sustainable fundraising, clear systems and supportive partnerships provide the foundations on which creativity can thrive. They may not always be visible, but they make it possible for the music, movement and storytelling to continue and grow.
Strengthening these foundations will help AAM move forward with confidence and stability.
I’m also excited by the opportunities ahead. There is real potential to deepen our partnerships across York and beyond, working with arts, health, education and community organisations to demonstrate the role creativity can play in wellbeing, confidence and connection.
As we develop new projects and seek new investment, we also want to become more intentional about how we tell our story: not only describing what we do but showing what changes because of it. The moments of joy, the friendships formed, the performances created, and the confidence built are the clearest expressions of AAM’s impact.
Finally, I want to say thank you. I have been made to feel incredibly welcome during my first few weeks. Starting somewhere new always takes time, and I am grateful for the patience, openness and kindness I have experienced.
I’m looking forward to continuing to listen, learn and work alongside everyone at AAM as we build on its remarkable foundations and shape what comes next, together!