Working together for better venue accessibility

Iconic music and performing arts venue, the Roundhouse in Camden, has provided creative space that empowers people and communities since the 1960s. Its team is focused on unleashing the creative potential of young people and artists, giving them the opportunity to experiment, develop their skills, and be part of unforgettable moments with a lasting impact.

In that spirit of leading innovation, the Roundhouse has now become the first major performing arts and music venue in London to incorporate NaviLens technology – used by people who are blind or partially sighted – across its entire estate.

This groundbreaking tech is incorporated across the Roundhouse’s main space, creative studios, Roundhouse Works and its container building.

NaviLens is pioneering accessibility technology. It’s a digital navigation aid that empowers and offers greater independence to those who are blind or partially sighted by using a free app and QR-style codes to share spoken-word navigation assistance.

Allowing easy, real-time access to information through a pioneering visual signage system, NaviLens uses vibrant, high-contrast codes that can be scanned by smartphones. The technology provides audio guidance that means users can navigate and interact with their environment independently – empowering blind and partially sighted people to engage more fully with the world around them.

RSBC was delighted when, in November 2024, some of the young people it supports were invited to trial NaviLens as part of a taster session in podcasting and DJ-ing. Their excitement and joy in visiting the Roundhouse and using this state-of-the-art technology was unmistakable, and the session marked a significant milestone in its commitment to creating an inclusive creative hub for young people in London.

Fran Barrett, Senior Children, Young People & Families Activity Officer at RSBC, commented: “RSBC was delighted to take a group of blind and partially sighted young people to the Roundhouse’s accessible studios at the end of last year. Using NaviLens, they were able to navigate the studios independently and enjoyed taking part in creative workshops in podcasting and DJ-ing. After trying out the Virtual DJ software and taking part in a tour of the facilities, several young people signed up for creative memberships with the Roundhouse so that they can hone their skills throughout the year. The Roundhouse’s commitment to accessibility has enabled our young people to take part in creative opportunities which are often difficult to access, and we’re thrilled to see them unlocking their potential as a result of this visit.”

Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director at the Roundhouse, said: “The Roundhouse – its iconic main space, creative studios and Roundhouse Works – is open to everyone. Incorporating NaviLens across our entire estate demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and marks us out as an industry leader in this space. We couldn’t have done it without the support from NaviLens and the young people from RSBC who helped us trial the technology in our creative spaces. The sessions affirmed the transformative potential of accessible technology, which is part of the continuous improvement of digital accessibility at the Roundhouse. The feedback received was invaluable and will inform future developments alongside NaviLens, including development of our technical equipment and the expansion of accessible creative opportunities.”

Javier Pita, CEO of NaviLens, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with the Roundhouse and help make their incredible venue more accessible to even more people. Our mission at NaviLens is to create a world where all individuals, including those who are blind or partially sighted, can access the information they need to enjoy the full spectrum of cultural, social and educational experiences. Working with the Roundhouse, a leader in all these sectors, is an exciting opportunity to further our vision of an accessible world for all.”

RSBC is working closely with the Roundhouse on other events and projects. Check out our website for what’s on at https://www.rsbc.org.uk/whats-on/