The Art House was founded by disabled and non-disabled artists. We follow the Social Model of Disability, recognising that barriers in buildings, information and attitudes can disable people. We work to remove those barriers so that artists, participants and visitors can take part in ways that respond to their individual needs.
We go further than ramps and lifts – our building, our spaces, and the Team provide time, space, and support for artists to develop their practice in ways that respond to their individual needs.
This page explains the facilities and support available, and how to plan your visit.
Planning your visit
You are welcome to contact us before visiting to ask about access, discuss an adjustment or find out what to expect. Call 01924 312000 or email info@the-arthouse.org.uk
You can also use these resources:
- Plan your visit — opening hours, directions and transport information.
- Download our Social Story — an introduction to the building and what to expect.
- Download our sensory map — information about sensory conditions around the building.
Blue Badge parking
The Art House does not have a public car park on site. But we have two Blue Badge parking spaces on site. Our Studio Holders use these frequently, so visitor availability is often limited. Further information on close car parks and on-street parking with Blue Badges can be found here: Plan your visit
An Accessible Building
The Art House building was designed to be exemplary in its accessibility for disabled users. We operate a continual improvement policy, working to make as many aspects of our building accessible to the widest range of people. We currently offer;
Arriving and moving around
- We provide step-free, level access throughout the building, with lifts between floors.
- Our corridors are two metres wide allowing two wheelchair/mobility aid/pushchair users or people with Guide dogs to pass comfortably in the corridor.
- Emergency call points throughout the building.
- Our Galleries are Guide and Support dog friendly
- Sensory map and signage throughout the building as well as portable sensory aids.
- Tactile map of the building’s floor plan
- Induction loops on the reception desk, Shop counter, print studio and in our Board Room.
- Flashing beacon fire alarms for hearing-impaired users.
- Sympathetic light levels for visually impaired visitors.
Toilets
We have inclusive, all-gender toilets of different sizes, including facilities designed for different access needs and one with a shower. All of our toilets are single-occupancy
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout The Art House. We are also a dog-friendly building.
Hearing support
Induction loops are available at reception
Language support
If you would prefer to communicate in a language other than English, our team can use a Vasco translation device, which supports communication in 200 languages. Ask at reception when you arrive, or contact us before your visit to discuss the language support you need.
Sensory access
Everyone experiences spaces and surroundings differently. Our sensory signage and sensory map help you understand what to expect as you move around The Art House.
Sensory toolkit and trolley
- Our portable sensory trolley offers tactile, fidget, weighted and grounding tools to support a more comfortable visit. Anyone who finds sensory resources helpful is welcome to use them.
- Resources include weighted shoulder and neck wraps, weighted lap pads, sensory cuddle balls and cocoons, and discreet, adult-focused grounding objects.
- All items are free to borrow during your visit. Help yourself and borrow an individual item or take the trolley with you while exploring the galleries and other spaces.
- Choose what works for you, take a pause whenever you need to, and return items to Front of House when you have finished. Our team can help you explore the available resources.
Quieter times to visit
If you prefer a calmer experience, you may find some times of day feel quieter than others, although this can vary. Visitors sometimes find the following times more comfortable:
9.30–10.30am (the first hour after opening)
3–4pm (later in the afternoon before closing)
These times can be a good option for visitors who prefer a less busy environment. Busyness may vary depending on exhibitions, events, school visits, or other activities taking place. We also offer private exhibition views by appointment for any visitor who is unable to visit during standard open hours
If you would like to plan your visit or check what’s happening on the day, our team is happy to help.
Access to exhibitions
All gallery text and artist information are available in standard print, large print, Braille, dyslexia-friendly and Easy Read formats. BSL provision is available for selected exhibitions
We also offer audio-described tours and touch tours for selected exhibitions. Touch tours use agreed artworks or handling materials; what can be touched varies between exhibitions.
Depending on the nature of each exhibition, we also provide additional access accommodations such as sensory ear defenders, Quiet Hours, private viewings, touch tours and more.
If you have other access requirements you would like to discuss with a member of the team, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can take a Virtual Tour through our past exhibitions.
Quiet Hours and individual visits
We offer private exhibition views by appointment for any visitor who is unable to visit during standard open hours. These sessions can be made safer with staff following mask-wearing and other precautions, and access accommodations can be made on an individual basis. Simply contact us by email or call us on 01924 312 000 with your date and time preference(s), and we will get back to you to confirm your appointment and respond to any specific access accommodations that you’ve requested.
As a standard, we currently offer:
- Monday – 09.00-16:00
- Tuesday – Friday, 09:00 – 10:00 / 16:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 10:00 / 16:00 – 17:00
- But we can be flexible, so please contact us.
Access for artists and makers
We support all artists through accessible facilities and adjustments that respond to individual needs.
Our Maker Spaces and facilities include:
- Height-adjustable working areas in our Maker Spaces, including darkroom enlarger bays and a pottery wheel.
- A button-operated print press.
- Communal studio sinks at seated and standing heights.
- Self-catering accommodation with mobility-aid-friendly en-suite facilities.
If you are considering a workshop, studio, residency or accommodation booking, contact us to discuss the space, equipment and support you need.
Download our Access sheet
Why access matters
Accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on removing barriers to creative opportunity and on creating a level playing field for everyone who works with us or visits us.
We have a long history of working with, and providing support for, disabled artists and people. It’s where our story began, and the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging remain central to our purpose. We are deeply passionate about!
We want The Art House to be a place where disabled and non-disabled artists, visitors and people of all backgrounds can create, experience art and work alongside one another. Equality matters in its own right, and bringing different experiences and perspectives together makes our work richer.
Access is an ongoing commitment. We continue to listen, learn and improve, responding to the people who use our spaces.
Feedback and further information
We continue to improve access and welcome feedback about barriers you encounter or information missing from this page.
Contact us at info@the-arthouse.org.uk, or call 01924 312000.
Social Story
Download our Social Story now to support you on your journey to The Art House.
Winners of the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Braille Transcription Service
Our Braille Transcription Service can help you remove the barriers that people face when accessing written interpretation or text. We aim to provide a fast, accurate and affordable transcription service that will convert your documents into Braille.
Find out more
Virtual Tours
You can explore our exhibitions virtually – delving into photos, animations, videos, and exhibition interpretation. You can also tour through our mina entrance and Shop, and our open-air Terrace.
