How we support access

Booking access tickets

Tickets for our performances, events and film screenings can be booked online on our website, over the phone by calling 0121 446 3232, or by visiting us in person at our Welcome Desk.

To make it as easy as possible for everyone to access MAC we have improved the process for booking accessible tickets by introducing a simple way to do this online.

If you are booking for a particular service, we recommend calling or speaking to us in person to ensure that we can do our best to meet all of your needs.

Audio Described events

Audio Description is a form of audio-visual translation for our blind and visually impaired audience members. It uses the natural pauses in speech or sound to insert a narrative that verbally translates the visual image. The service is available on selected screenings and performances via the Infra-Red Induction loops which can be borrowed from our Welcome Desk upon your arrival.

BSL-interpreted events

Some of our performances are British Sign Language Interpreted, where a translator will stand to the side of the stage and interpret the characters’ dialogue for the audience. Please let our Sales and Events team know at the time of booking if you require this service so that we can seat you accordingly. Selected talks and tours are also BSL interpreted.

Subtitled events

On some of our screenings and performances, dialogue will be displayed above or below the stage, or at the bottom of the cinema screen. Sometimes this will be for a show or film in a foreign language to translate dialogue into English.

Descriptive subtitles (DS) are subtitles which transcribe dialogue, music and sound effects to allow everyone to engage with our cinema programme. Descriptive subtitled events are useful for D/deaf people and may also benefit people with English as a second language or students studying the text.

Relaxed events and screenings

Relaxed events are currently designed to improve the experience for people with autism, sensory, motor and communication disorders, learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more adapted environment.

The main lights remain on, the volume is reduced, and we hope you’ll feel comfortable to remain inside should you need to make noises or move involuntarily. We sometimes offer a pre-show introduction to the venue and performers, signalling anything that may be big, loud, or unexpected. There will also be a quiet area nearby if you need a break.

Accessible courses

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. The majority of our creative courses welcome adults and children with disabilities or additional learning needs. Please feel free contact us to discuss your individual access needs.

We have fully adjustable, wheelchair-accessible ceramics wheels, and wheels with lower seating in our accessible ceramics studio.

We offer complimentary companion tickets. We are unable to provide one-to-one support.

Courses for under 18s are delivered by artist tutors with the help of Learning Support Workers, both of whom are DBS checked. On courses where children are unaccompanied, staff will support participants in their art making and aid them to access toilet facilities and lunch spaces. If further assistance is required a parent or companion may book a complimentary ticket to provide support. We can arrange for you to attend a free taster session for our courses along with a chance to meet the tutor to discuss any specific needs.