The venue

How should I choose a venue?

Before you get into the specifics of your exhibition, there are some important things to consider about the place you're working in that can have a huge impact on the success of your access provision.

It might be helpful to consider:

1. Where is it? Is it accessible by various forms of transport?
   
   
2. Is it step-free? 
   
   
3. How will people enter the space?
   
   
4. What access provisions are already in place? And what can be changed to improve access for your audiences?
   
   
5. Does the venue have disability awareness?

Physical accessibility in the venue

Step one - step-free!

Where possible, we encourage people to opt for venues with step-free access. This not only benefits wheelchair users, but also welcomes people who might be bringing children in prams or people with low mobility.

Remember: Even small steps into a space are not step-free. Be sure to check your venue for small steps and uneven ground. If there is a ramp, does it comply with current regulations?

Ideally the entire venue is step-free and has the same entrance for all visitors, rather than an alternative step-free entrance that brings you to the exhibition via an alternative route.

Lifts and doors - what should I consider?

Lifts - especially if your exhibition is split over more than one floor in a building

• Is there a lift available? And is it reliable?
  
  
• Can the lift be independently operated? Or does it need a member of staff to be used?
  
  
• How big is the lift? Can it comfortably fit in a wheelchair with additional space?
  
  
• Can the lift be used during an emergency evacuation?

Doors and entrances

• Are heavy doors automated? Or can they be propped open? Be aware of any fire doors and emergency procedures.
  
  
• Does the entrance require you to use an intercom? Try and offer an alternative way to enter for hearing impaired people such as a number to text for entry.
  
  
• Is the accessible entrance round the back or hidden away? Make sure this is clearly signposted. Ideally all visitors will have access to the same entrance and visitor journey through the space.

Think about seating!

Having seating available in your exhibition is a great way to encourage people to stay and enjoy what you have created. Some venues might already have seating built-in or available to move around the space. Check whats available!

But what seating is recommended and what can you do when there isn't anything at the venue already?

• Can you design seating as part of the exhibition?
  
  
• Does some seating offer cushions and back support?
  
  
• Is there another venue you might be able to borrow seating from? Rather than buying brand new?
  
  
• Can seating be moved around the space or are they stuck in place? Consider how wheelchair users might experience work if there is fixed seating blocking their experience. You might want to consider arranging benches in front of video works slightly off-centre to allow more inclusive space for wheelchair users to view the work.

Is there enough space to move around?

If you're filling up your exhibition space with lots of work and installations, remember to consider the journey people take through the space. Can a wheelchair fit or other mobility aids fit? Are there areas where it can get particularly crowded?

We recommend taking a tape measure with you and ensuring large wheelchairs are able to comfortably navigate through the space. Ideally, once your exhibition is installed, there should be at least 1.3m between objects on the floor like sculptures, plinths, and furniture. It makes for a more relaxed experience, and with more space, the artworks are more protected!

What might impact the senses?

As well as physical access in the space, its important to remember different elements that can affect the senses.

This is particularly important to consider for neurodivergent audiences and migraineurs who can experience barriers in spaces with strong lights, smells and sounds.

If you're looking to specifically cater to these impairment groups, you can check out our additional resources What is Neurodiversity? and Make Inclusive Arts Events For Migraineurs

Is your venue in a busy location? Does the nearby noise bleed into the space? You might be able to offer ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones for people as they enter.

What lighting is available in the space and can it be changed? You might want a particular lighting style for the work, but having options is great if you're able to alter this.

Is there a quiet space available?

Quiet spaces - also known as rest spaces - are a great way to offer a place to recharge, decompress and process the exhibition. Having the opportunity to rest in the venue creates a more inclusive environment for visitors, particularly those with chronic fatigue.

Some venues might have a space suitable and readily available. If you are curious about creating a quiet space on a low-budget and on the move, Unlimited have created a brilliant guide with top tips. Check out their detailed resource on their website.

What toilet facilities should be available?

As well as being step-free, we suggest opting for a venue that has their own accessible toilet. If you don't have direct access to one, we recommend checking out the local area in case there is one nearby you can signpost people towards.

Accessible toilets are more than meets the eye – they need to accommodate the wheelchair user, a portable hoist and a PA, with a red alarm cord working, reaching the floor, and next to the toilet.

In the 2024 Euan's Guide Survey, 77% of respondents have avoided going somewhere because they couldn’t find information about an accessible toilet. You can read the full survey results on their website.

Have you heard of Changing Places toilets? These are larger accessible toilets with additional hoists and facilities to support disabled people with additional needs. With a radar key you have access to these toilets - but we recommend checking the website before venturing out and about!

At the time of publishing (2025), there are 2,606 registered Changing Places toilets across the UK. Find your nearest one on their website.

What about assistance dogs?

Its important to make sure you can also welcome assistance dogs into the space. Assistance dogs can be a vital support for disabled people, and being able to welcome in your four-legged visitors too makes for an even better experience.

• Make sure you have water bowels available
  
  
• Is there somewhere nearby where dogs can relieve themselves? Make sure your staff are aware of this in case someone asks

What assistive technology is available on site?

Check at the venue in case they offer assistive tools and have the technology on hand. This can be an expensive cost, particularly if you're looking to hire such equipment - but if its already available, why not make use of it!

• Hearing loops - ensure they are clearly signposted in the venue
  
  
• Audio guides - some museums and galleries have their own handsets preprogrammed with audio guides and descriptions

If you don't have these tools available, you might consider creating QR codes for visitors to scan and access content in a way they prefer on their own devices. You could also borrow some headphones and an MP3 player from a friend and load up your audio tour!

Where is the venue? How can people find the exhibition?

We've spoken a lot about access once you're at the venue, but don't forget that the journey to your exhibition is just as important!

Being able to have information on hand and readily available so people can plan their journey is really helpful. Consider the following:

• How easy is it to find the venue? What information can you share for visitors planning their journey?
  
  
• Is it close to public transport?
  
  
• Are there secure places to lock a bicycle?
  
  
• How visible is the venue from the street? Do you need clear signage to guide people?

It might also be useful to mention quieter times to visit your exhibition, particularly if its in a busy area or travel connections can get congested.

Staff and volunteers at the venue

In addition to ensuring your venue is accessible, make sure you are aware of who will be on hand to manage the venue and invigilate the exhibition.

• Are there staff on hand at the venue who are familiar with emergency evacuation procedures?
  
  
• Does your team have disability awareness?
  
  
• How might you be able to remove attitudinal barriers in the venue? 

Looking for Disability Equality Training for your team? Check out all our training and auditing services available or drop us an email at [email protected]