The Art House is guided by the Social Model of Disability This model recognises that people are disabled by barriers in society — not by their impairments — and we work to remove those barriers in everything we do.
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.
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. 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! The Art House strives to be a place where disabled and non-disabled artists, and people of all backgrounds, as well as visitors, can work alongside one another – not only because equality matters, but because that’s where the most exciting and meaningful work can happen.
We also strive to present art, events, and experiences in ways that everyone can access and enjoy. See below for more information about our access.
Exhibition Access
All of our gallery text and artist information is available in standard, large print and Braille format, as well as Dyslexia-friendly and Easy Read formats
Depending on the nature of each exhibition, we also provide additional access accommodations such as sensory ear defenders, Quiet Hours, private viewings 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 current/past exhibitions.
We offer exhibition private views by appointment for any visitor who is unable to visit during standard open hours. These sessions can be made Covid-safe with the use of 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.
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
Our availability for bookings may change from time to time, so make sure to check back here when you’re ready to make an appointment to see updated days and times.
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;
– Level access throughout the building.
– Emergency call points throughout the building.
– Two-metre wide corridors, allowing two wheelchair/mobility aid/pushchair users or people with Guide dogs to pass comfortably in the corridor.
– Our Galleries are Guide and Support dog friendly
– All gender bathrooms of varying sizes to incorporate different access needs, including one with a shower.
– Paired communal sinks for Studio Holders with one at sitting and one at standing height.
– Height-adjustable working areas in our Maker Spaces, including Darkroom enlarger bays and a pottery wheel.
– 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.
– Spacious self-catering flat with mobility aid-friendly en-suite bathrooms.
– Button-operated print press.
– Depending on the nature of each exhibition, we can offer Quiet Hours.
– Two blue badge spaces onsite. (These are usually in use by onsite blue badge Studio Holders. On occasion, there may be days/times when visitors can pre-book a blue badge bay if it is not in use on the day you plan to visit. To check if a blue badge space is available, we recommend calling on the morning of your visit.
We welcome everyone and are a dog-friendly cafe and building.
Download our Access sheet
Social Story
Download our Social Story now to support you on your journey to The Art House.
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.
