Assessing the accessibility of your arts trail open studio

Arts Trails and Open Studios are a wonderful opportunity for artists to welcome people into their studios, share their creative process and display their creativity. Artists want to invite as many people as possible into their spaces, but sadly most UK homes are not accessible which excludes many disabled people.

This document is in two sections; the first is designed to help artists understand the accessibility of their spaces, providing ideas about how this might be improved and being clear about what access isn't possible. The second section is a checklist tool for artists to detail the accessibility of their studio/ space. The completed checklist can be made available online for visitors to read in advance when deciding which studios/ spaces to visit.

Created by artist, poet and blind wheelchair user Emma Major in January 2025 for Acorn Open Studios East Berkshire.

"As a disabled person I have struggled to find access information for art trails and open studios, meaning it is impossible for me to establish which are possible for me to visit.

I don't expect every home art studio to be accessible, but if I don't have any access information then I can't even start to decide if it might be possible.

When I joined my first arts trail as an artist, I provided access information about my art space; the good, the bad and the ugly. Many disabled people visited my space and told me that they came to visit because they knew they were welcome and what the space was like.

This is not about having “perfect” access, but about being clear about how accessible a space is. I hope that this simple document and checklist is useful for artists and their visitors. I will be reviewing and updating it regularly so please do get in touch with any thoughts or ideas for improvement."

Understanding the accessibility of your studio/space

This first section provides details of access needs to consider in order to evaluate it's accessibility. These include the accessibility of the space and it's location; accessibility barriers, visual and auditory communication provision and sensory access needs. As you read through this list, try not to think negatively about your space or feel inadequate; instead use it as an opportunity to provide clear information about access barriers and provisions to potential visitors. Disabled people would rather know the facts than have to make assumptions. You might want to mark the items on the list that are not accessible and can't be made accessible (cross), aspects that are already accessible (tick), and aspects you would like to improve (star).

Site information

Path Surface: is the path/ access surface flat, firm, and slip-resistant for example surfaces like tarmac, bricks or compacted gravel?

Loose gravel, grass, or slippery paths are not accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited vision.

Path Width: is the path a minimum width of 80cm? Narrower paths are not accessible for wheelchair users, people with assistance dogs, people who use a white cane and people who require assistance from another person.

Clearance: is the path free of obstacles such as overhanging branches or trip hazards? Obstacles and overhanging branches provide a barrier for people who are visually impaired.

Door Width: Is the access door at least 76cm wide? This is the minimum required width of doors for providing wheelchair access.

Step-Free Access: Is the access to your studio/ space step free? Even a 2cm step can make access impossible for wheelchair users and a safety concern for people who are visually impaired or unsteady on their feet. Consider getting a suitable wheelchair access ramp that can be placed temporarily.

Parking: Is there good parking provision close by? Is the route from the parking spaces to the access path step and kerb free? If not, can you put a sign on the nearest drop kerb asking for it not to be blocked?

Signage outside: Do you have clear signing to show visitors how to get to your studio/ space? If not consider providing this on site and online with photos and descriptions.

Studio/ space information

Lighting: Do you maintain a good level of light to ensure visitors can see your work at its best? If not consider providing this and avoid shadows falling directly on items.

Resting Points: do you provide seating for visitors with reduced stamina, pain or restricted movement? Consider having chairs available as needed.

Accessible Fonts: Use clean, sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) at a minimum of 14pt

Accessible Information: Do you provide large print labels on your art and leaflets about your work and/or make these available via a QR code? Do you provide audio descriptions of your art, leaflets and labels online? Are these easily accessible eg through a QR code? If not consider providing this accessibility.

Sensory spaces: Could you provide a "quieter area" or rest space area for people who prefer to be away from large groups? Could you have a “quiet hour” at some point during the trail to increase the accessibility of the space for people who struggle with lots of people and noise?

Assistance Dogs: can you provide an outdoor "spending area" with water for assistance dogs? Are you happy for other dogs to come to your studio/ space?

Toilets: Do you have a toilet which can be used by visitors? Is it and the door large enough for a wheelchair user to use? If not, could you provide details of the nearest public disabled toilet?

Digital Space: Do you have a website which holds photos of your studio/ space and access paths? If not, consider providing this by email on request.

Online Open Studio:

If your studio/ space is inaccessible then it is possible to use technology to provide a better insight into the studios, perhaps through videos of the studios set up. This would allow people to discover artists and their art and make direct contact to find out more about the art and artist and even buy art.

The Access Checklist

Once artists have assessed the accessibility of their studio space they can complete the access checklist to provide clear information about accessibility to the public before the trail. Art trails and open studios can provide this completed checklist online, providing clarity about the accessibility of the entire trail.

If you would like to use this checklist for your open studios or art trail then please contact Emma.