Our Mission
At Shine Music, we believe that live music should be a place where everyone belongs. Our mission is to transform traditional music events into inclusive, welcoming experiences that reflect the diversity of our community.
We do this by breaking down barriers - physical, sensory, and social - through innovative accessibility, thoughtful universal design, and deep community collaboration. Whether it's through adaptive technology, inclusive programming, or intentionally designed spaces, our goal is to ensure that people of all abilities can experience the joy and connection that only live music can provide.
This isn’t just about concerts, it’s about creating a movement. One where inclusion is celebrated, differences are embraced, and music becomes a platform for shared humanity. By continuously strengthening our foundation and expanding what’s possible, we strive to inspire connection, foster inclusion, and build a stronger, more accessible world - one event at a time.
Our Pillars
At Shine Music, our work is guided by three foundational pillars: Accessibility, Innovation, and Community.
These pillars are more than guiding principles, they are action points that inform how we plan, design, and deliver every experience we create.
These pillars are more than guiding principles, they are action points that inform how we plan, design, and deliver every experience we create.
Accessibility
Removing barriers so everyone can share the stage.
We go beyond ADA compliance to build truly inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome. Our approach to accessibility is proactive, holistic, and informed by those with lived experience in the disability community. Here’s how we do it:
- Physical Accessibility: We ensure all venues feature accessible parking, pathways, restrooms, and seating areas. Our team works closely with disability advisors to identify and address potential access gaps.
- Sensory Accessibility: We integrate sensory-friendly spaces for attendees with autism or sensory processing disorders, and offer quiet zones with noise-reducing features for anyone needing a break from the stimulation of a festival environment.
- Communication Access: Technologies such as captioning glasses, ASL interpretation, and visual schedule boards ensure that Deaf, hard of hearing, and neurodiverse individuals can fully engage with performances and information.
- Inclusive Experience Design: We design our layout and programming to avoid isolation, ensuring that accessible spaces are integrated, not separated, so people of all abilities can enjoy the music together.
Innovation
Redefining what’s possible through creative technology and design.
Innovation is woven into every aspect of Shine. We believe accessibility should be dynamic, engaging, and ever-evolving. That’s why we continually explore new ideas, tools, and partnerships to push the boundaries of what an inclusive event can be.
- Adaptive Technology: From vibrotactile dance floors to full-body sound devices, we utilize emerging technologies that allow individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing to feel the music in powerful ways.
- Collaborative R&D: We’re actively working with CU Boulder's Senior Design Project, working with biomedical engineering students to develop a new accessibility product specifically for live music environments.
- Universal Design Thinking: We apply principles of universal design to create environments that are inherently accessible to the broadest range of people without the need for special adaptation.
- Creative Problem Solving: Whether it’s integrating a tactile art experience or prototyping a new navigational tool for blind attendees, our team is constantly piloting fresh approaches to inclusive engagement.
Community
Celebrating difference. Creating connection. Building belonging.
Shine Music was born from community and continues to be shaped by it. We recognize that real inclusion doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through trust, collaboration, and shared experiences.
- Collaborative Planning: We actively seek input from disability-led organizations, families, artists, and attendees to co-design our events. Their feedback informs everything from layout to programming to vendor selection.
- Representation on Stage and Behind the Scenes: We prioritize hiring diverse performers and accessibility professionals, including individuals with disabilities, as part of our commitment to equity and visibility.
- Partnerships That Reflect Our Values: We work with nonprofits, advocacy groups, artists, and technology developers who share our vision for a more inclusive cultural landscape.
- Fostering Lasting Relationships: Our events are not one-off moments, they’re catalysts for ongoing conversations, partnerships, and systemic change. We create opportunities for people to connect across differences and build a stronger, more inclusive community.