Stamford Arts Centre, operated by South Kesteven District Council is one of ten venues in the UK to benefit from the installation of a new closed captioning system for its cinema.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the WatchWord system ensures that all cinemagoers can fully experience and engage with the arts, aligning with the council’s wider efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion across South Kesteven.
Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said, “The council is committed to making arts and culture accessible for everyone in our communities. The introduction of this new technology, along with the venues existing accessibility features, reflects the council’s dedication to inclusivity.
“It is vital that we make our managed venues as accessible as possible so that no one is excluded from enjoying the arts. Whether it’s through captioning, relaxed performances or BSL interpretation, we are proud to provide a welcoming space where all audiences can enjoy films and live performances with the support they need.” WatchWord technology uses smart glasses and a touch screen controller, allowing users to watch films with fully customisable captions at a screening time that suits them.
Viewers can adjust the size, colour, position, brightness and focus of the captions on any film, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience without being limited to specific subtitled screenings.
Bookings for the new system are set to open in April 2025 after testing has been completed.
The addition of WatchWord technology compliments Stamford Arts Centres ongoing commitment to inclusivity, which includes audio description facilities alongside the venue’s bespoke accessibility lift which was replaced in 2024, allowing visitors to access the theatre.
Over in Grantham, the Guildhall Arts Centre, also operated by SKDC, continues to champion accessibility in the arts. The centre offers produces a range of accessible performances, including the upcoming 2025/26 pantomime Snow White in production with Polka Dot Pantomimes.
The production will feature both relaxed performance and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy the much-loved festive tradition.
For more information on performances at both Stamford Arts Centre and Guildhall Arts Centre, visit https://www.stamfordartscentre.com/ and https://www.guildhallartscentre.com/