The BUDA Arts Centre has been working on accessibility for years. Through initiatives such as low-stimulation film days, the UiTpas reduced-rate scheme, film camps for children living in poverty, visual guides and so much more, we continue to make progress in lowering barriers. Thanks to an additional grant from the King Baudouin Foundation, we have been working over the past few months to make Budascoop more accessible for people with visual impairments. We are delighted to present this project to you on Friday 26 June!

It is estimated that there are around 210,000 people with visual impairments in Belgium, 10,000 of whom are completely blind. Cultural experiences revolve mainly around sight, but there are aids available to engage the other senses in film and theatre performances.

For this project, we were assisted by Blindenzorg Licht & Liefde and Symfoon – two organisations dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired people – and by expert Lorenzo Valcke, who carried out an assessment of our building. Based on their feedback, we are implementing various infrastructural adjustments:

• contrasting guide lines on the Budascoop stairs
• signage for the wheelchair users’ entrance
• markings on the various glass windows
• signage at the ticket office
• installation of handrails with integrated lighting for the stairs
• improved lighting at the emergency exit
• improved lighting in the toilets
• larger locker numbers
• drinks menus in high contrast, in Braille and with NFC tags
• adapted signage throughout the building

Small changes, but they make a world of difference for people with visual impairments. Come and see for yourself on Friday 26 June!

We’re screening the nature documentary De Wilde Noordzee twice – with audio description via the Earcatch app – and offering a guided tour of the building, during which we’ll show you all the adaptations. In the Budascoop rotunda, there is an installation by the non-profit organisation Symfoon that will immediately catch your eye. With their Annoying Eyes campaign, they are drawing attention to a richer art experience for blind and visually impaired people.

Sign up here for the guided tour for free!

_{Would you like to use audio description? Be sure to download the Earcatch app in advance.}