HOTA FOR EVERYONE
What motivated you to be inclusive and accessible? Were there any challenges and if so, how did you overcome them?
As the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, HOTA believes in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We want to remove barriers, deeply connect to our community, and support all people to create, experience, and engage in arts and culture. We'll continue to grow HOTA as a true home of the arts for all.
Our challenge was to provide a consistent experience across the precinct, with both new and old buildings. Built in 1984, HOTA Central has been retrofitted to improve accessibility, with wayfinding increased and old infrastructure being regularly maintained.
Tell us about your business and the facilities or services you provide to make it more inclusive and accessible.
HOTA has a variety of facilities and services to improve accessibility across the precinct, including, but not limited to:
• Opened in 2021, the state-of-the-art HOTA Gallery goes above and beyond mandatory requirements for accessibility, with Changing Places facilities offering adult-size change table, hoist and privacy screen, plus seating throughout the gallery, accessible lockers, and assistive listening carrier devices (FM system). • Quiet Hour in HOTA Gallery: A relaxed and calm environment for those that prefer a quieter visitor experience, with lower sound and light levels employed where possible.
• Auslan interpreted tours: An inclusive discussion of the works on display in HOTA Gallery, supported by an accredited Auslan interpreter.
• HOTA Cinema: Listening assistive headsets and closed caption headset receivers are available.
• Rainbow Story Hour: The program champions body positivity and role models in all different shapes, sizes, and diversities, and encourages the imagination and play of childhood.
• Sunroom: A safe creative space for artmaking creative play and exploration for adults who identify with disability.
• Staff training: Offer disability awareness training to staff and ambassadors, including the Hidden Sunflower Program and first aid mental health.
As an accessible and inclusive business/attraction what benefits have you seen?
HOTA has seen a big increase in visitors with access and disability requirements. It was wonderful to see seven wheelchair users rocking out for a UB40 concert on the Outdoor Stage. Employing more than 300 staff and 100 ambassadors, we've attracted people from different cultures (we speak 18 languages!) and artists and staff with disabilities.
For more information, head to hota.com.au, email hello@hota.com.au or call (07) 5588 4000.