One of the recipients of Fight for Sight’s Capacity Building grant has gained international recognition, as well as improved sustainability.
Sound Without Sight won the Social & Culture category at the International Sound Awards 2025. Dubbed “the Oscars of Sound,” the awards recognise impactful music-related projects, products, and services.
Projects are voted on by a panel of jurors from companies such as Spotify, Apple, and Meta.
What is the Capacity Building Grant?
The Capacity Building grant supports and empowers grassroots organisations, fostering collaboration within the sector and between the sector and external organisations.
Jay Pocknell (founder and project manager of SWS) said: “I’m looking forward to connecting with the jury to try and maximise our relationships with some of those companies who might be able to help us grow and create opportunities for our members”.
Bringing people together
Sound Without Sight produces resources and hosts events, to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes—it aims to equip blind and vision impaired musicians, audio engineers and creatives the tools and knowledge to access the music industry.
It hosts an active community hub where creatives can connect and engage with one another using the Discussion Forum, and share information and resources through their thriving Knowledge Hub.
But one of their biggest assets is their Monthly Meet-Up sessions, which feature blind and vision impaired established industry professionals to engage with and share their experiences with aspiring creatives. Some notable speakers include
- Andre Louis--a versatile musician whose repertoire includes Kilburn, a 13-track drum & bass album featuring Zero T, a well-known drum & bass artist
- Ben Price—disability advocate and an established artist manager whose company Harbourside Management focuses on working with disabled artists; He manages a roster of disabled creatives, including Viktoria Modesta and Musa Motha
- Emma Tracey—podcast producer, presenter, and journalist working at the BBC
- Kevin Satizabal—a music composer and journalist working for the BBC; his first radio documentary with Matthew Wadsworth "Joining the Dots" was recently broadcasted on BBC Radio 3.
These meet-up sessions are recorded and then uploaded as podcasts, along with bonus episodes such as applying to and studying at the Brit School
The recognition of Sound Without Sight really emphasizes its impact for blind and vision impaired creatives, and we are so proud to be able to support their work.
Read more about SWS's award here!
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