Venue Description

The University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre prides itself on being accessible and inclusive. We want everyone to feel welcome and get involved in what we do. With over 18 years of experience, our programme offers performance, courses and workshops, contemporary art exhibitions, activities for children and families, and more. We are proud to champion emerging talent and disability-led artists, supporting those starting their careers. Our outstanding access and inclusive work has been recognised, through multiple awards and grants from Arts Council England, BBC Children in Need, Leicester Shire Promotions and Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Our audience has grown to 86,000 people over the last year. Our brand new gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary British and international art. Doubling the size of our existing building, the new £1.5 million capital project makes Attenborough Arts Centre the largest contemporary art gallery in Leicester and one of the largest in the East Midlands area. The new gallery has been funded by Arts Council England, University of Leicester and over 1,000 public donations. Attenborough Arts Centre’s work is inspired by Richard Attenborough, a world leading filmmaker, actor and lifelong patron of the arts. Richard Attenborough was an inspirational talent and pioneering thinker, our founding patron and a hands-on man who helped establishing our arts centre. Handing the patronage to his son Michael, we continue to follow Richard’s vision and continue his legacy striving to include everyone in great art, culture and learning.

Accessibility

Accessible toilets - There are four disabled toilets in the building which are all wheelchair accessible located on the ground and first floor. Assisted hearing - There is an induction loop hearing system in all rooms, turn hearing aids to the position 'T'. Assistance Dogs - Guide, hearing and other working dogs are most welcome in all areas of the building, please let us know when booking if you are bringing an assistance dog. Changing room and shower - We have a fully accessible, spacious adult changing facility with a height-adjustable changing bed, hoist and shower. The hoist can be used at any time required, the battery just needs collecting from front of house Parking spaces - There are four accessible car parking bays for blue badge holders at the front of our building, places can be reserved by asking front of house. There is also two spaces at Fraser Noble Hall. The double yellow lines outside the building allow blue badge holders to park on for up to 3 hours. Relaxed performances - Relaxed performances are tailored and aimed at anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. The atmosphere in the hall will be relaxed and audience members will be free to make noise if they want to. The theatre doors will close but audience members can come and go as they please. Tickets and seating - Should you require particular assistance, you will be entitled to one free companion ticket for your parent / carer. Seating is unreserved unless otherwise stated. Signed performances - A number of performances and events are British sign language interpreted. Also a number of staff members have taken BSL training, and are deaf aware. Visually impaired - An audio guide for both our What's On guide and Creative Learning guide is available on request from front of house and on our website under 'Audio brochure'. A volunteer can assist in a Creative Learning class should you require additional support, please let front of house know when booking. Wheelchair users - Spaces for wheelchair uses are available in our hall and all 3 studios. Please contact our box office for further information. All public areas are also accessible to wheelchair users including a ramp into the entrance of the building and a lift. We also have a wheelchair accessible fire escape route, as we have ramp coming out of the building on the first floor.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts/documents/visit-us/your-visit-to-attenborough-arts-centre

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts/documents/pdfs/attenborough-arts-centre-accessibility-statement

Accessible Performances

Relaxed performances - Relaxed performances are tailored and aimed at anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. The atmosphere in the hall will be relaxed and audience members will be free to make noise if they want to. The theatre doors will close but audience members can come and go as they please. Signed performances - A number of performances and events are British sign language interpreted. Also a number of staff members have taken BSL training, and are deaf aware.

Toilets

Changing room and shower - We have a fully accessible, spacious adult changing facility with a height-adjustable changing bed, hoist and shower. The hoist can be used at any time required, the battery just needs collecting from front of house. Accessible toilets - There are four disabled toilets in the building which are all wheelchair accessible located on the ground and first floor. Changing Places toilet - The facility is situated next to the café, by other toilets, and does not use a key system because it is in regular use throughout the day.

Staff

A number of staff members have taken BSL training, and are deaf aware. Some staff have a working knowledge of other languages so please do ask and we may be able to help.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Both Victoria Park and Nelson Mandela Park are a 5 minute walk from Attenborough Arts Centre.