19 February 2025
The Roundhouse has become the first major performing arts and music venue in London to incorporate NaviLens, an innovative technology for those who are blind or partially sighted, across its entire estate.
NaviLens is 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.
The Roundhouse first trialled NaviLens in November, inviting groups from the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and Victa to use the ground-breaking technology as part of taster sessions in podcasting and DJ-ing.
The sessions with two of the leading charities for blind and partially sighted young people marked a significant milestone in the Roundhouse’s commitment to creating an inclusive creative hub for young people in London.
With the technology now incorporated across its iconic main space, creative studios, Roundhouse Works and its container building, the Roundhouse has become the first major creative centre in London to use NaviLens.
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 also those young people from the Royal Society for Blind Children and Victa 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.”
Fran Barrett, Senior Children, Young People & Families Activity Officer at RSBC, said: “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.”
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.”
Find out more on the NaviLens website.