Perth Institue of Contemporary Arts (PICA) Building

Telephone Contact: 9227 6144

A Summary of Accessibility

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts at the Perth Cultural Centre, has particular access problems for those people who use a wheelchair or who have an ambulant disability where climbing stairs is difficult. The only entrance to the building has a flight of 6 steps leading to the main reception area and exhibition space. There is a ramp in situ, however, it is too steep and unsafe to be used independently by people who use a wheelchair.

Once inside, the ground floor exhbition space is accessible, however, the upstairs area is not and the performance space has 5 stairs leading down to it. Portable ramps are available to access the performance space and staff can provide assistance if given prior notice.

Public Transport and accessible parking are in close proximity to the venue. Accessible toilet facilities are available.

Assistance Available

There is assistance available at this venue. It is suggested you ring the venue beforehand to discuss your specific access needs, i.e. assistance to enter the building and performance space, choice of seating position or to allow transfer from a wheelchair.
The contact position is: Reception
Telephone number is: 9227 6144

Public Transport (TransPerth's online Journey Planner)

There are bus stops along Beaufort Street. There is a CAT bus to this venue which stops on WIlliam Street (Alexander Library stop). The bus stop is accessible.
The nearest train station is Perth. The path from the train station to this venue is wheelchair accessible.
There is a set down / pick up point off William Street suitable for cars, taxis, maxi taxis, small buses.

Parking

There are 7 accessible parking bays at the State Library Carpark. The bays are wide and even. The bays are identified by the International Symbol of Access.
People using these bays must display a current ACROD parking permit.

Approach to the Building

The path from the accessible parking bay, to the front door is wide and even, and approximately 100 - 200 metres long. The pathway is lit for night use.
The path from the bus stop to the front door is wide and even, and approximately 100 metres long. The pathway is lit for night use.
The path from the set-down area to the front door is wide and uneven. The pathway is lit for night use.
Signage to the building is clear to read during both day and night.
There are steps between the Perth train station and the venue, however, a ramp is in situ. Please note that this ramp is slightly too steep and does not provide adequate landing space.
There are directional tactile ground surface indicators at the end of the overpass from the train station leading to the entrance of the State Library. They do not provide any indication of the steps and ramp leading to this venue.

Main Entrance

There is one small step (approximately 50 mm) into the main entrance. Doors are held open during opening hours. Once inside, there are then 6 steps just leading into the reception area.
There is a steep ramp down to the foyer. This ramp is unsafe for a wheelchair user to access independently as it is steep and has a small, elevated landing with small kerbing and no rails. The ramp is not clearly signed.
Please phone the venue prior to visiting to ensure staff are available to assist you as there is no alternative accessible entrance to the venue.
The information desk is not wheelchair accessible, but assistance is available.

Foyer, Corridors and General Areas

There is sufficient circulation space to move through all essential areas of this facility, except space is tight in the cafe area.

Lifts

There is no lift available. Access to the upper floor is not available.
Access down into the performance space is via 5 steps. The venue has portable ramps, however the incline is very steep. Staff are able to assist with access given prior notice.

Exhibition area

At the time of the audit, there is sufficient circulation space to move through the exhibition area.
Exhibition pieces are at an appropriate position for viewing from a wheelchair.
Seating is not available within the exhibition space.
Written information is generally available in one font size only.

Theatre Areas

Access from the foyer to the performance space is via the main public thoroughfare which has 5 steps. There is no other accessible entrance.
There is sufficient circulation space to move through the theatre area.
There is room for wheelchair seating at the front left hand side.
Seats in the theatre are medium backed, soft, and have no arms.
There are no numbers on seats.
Emergency Exits are not accessible. Staff are trained in emergency proceedures.

Toilets

There are both female and male wheelchair accessible toilet facilities near the cafe area.
The toilets comply with Australian Standards, except the basin is located too close to the pan. This means that some people who transfer from the front may have difficulty accessing this toilet.
Also, the toilet is not signed with the international symbol of access and the air lock between the two entry door is too small.
The lock on the cubicle door may be difficult to use for some as it is difficult to line the door up with the lock.