We are delighted to announce that Skelton Bounty has awarded us with funding to help us improve the accessibility of our building, shows and activities.

After the success of our Z-access fun days (previously Access All Areas), we wanted to build on improving our facilities so that families and children with disabilities and additional requirements can enjoy arts activities in a safe, welcoming environment.

In our venue, we already have multi-colour guidance systems, visual menus and clearer signage for those who may need or want to use them. Now, with the funding from Skelton Bounty, we will be installing a hearing loop in the gallery and in the dance studio, and updating the hearing loop in the theatre. We will also be buying a portable hearing loop for when we are out and about meeting families and children at events we hold outside of our building.

The funding will also enable us to install a brand new intercom system to assist people entering the building.

Lowri Jones, our dedicated Access Officer and Box Office Manager, says: “We are very proud and excited to receive this grant from Skelton Bounty. We are always trying to adapt our building so that it is accessible to everyone, and we’re always working to meet the growing needs of Manchester families. So many of our visitors will benefit from the hearing loops and the intercom; they will help many use Z-arts independently. This is something we are so pleased to be able offer to our new and returning visitors, and we can’t wait to be able to share more accessible arts and theatre experiences with our visitors in the future.”