Tune in! Arts Commons Has a New Assistive Listening System
Coming soon to Arts Commons, you will be able to access our new Wi-fi Sennheiser MobileConnect+ system in every venue in our building! This means that you can use any Bluetooth device to experience high quality sound transmitted live to your device whether it’s to your Bluetooth enabled hearing devices (both Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants) or just your everyday earbuds or headphones. In the Jack Singer Concert Hall listening to a National Geographic Live Explorer? Now you can hear it in stereo! Enjoying an intimate performance in the Motel Theatre with soft spoken dialogue? Now you can control the volume and not miss a word. By incorporating top of the line microphones into our already state of the art audio systems in venues, Arts Commons will make the patron experience exceptional for all. This new system makes Arts Commons one of the most accessible arts venues in Canada to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
“What’s exciting about the new Sennheiser system is that it not only provides listening support for those who need it but allows us to have multiple feeds to support translation services or audio description to our Blind patrons in future events and performances,” says Kellie Knight, associate director of production. “The process of making Arts Commons accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks has given us the opportunity to test this technology for the Arts Commons Transformation project expansion as well. It’s a huge step towards making Arts Commons accessible to all.”
Once the system is live, we invite you to test it out. Each venue will have posted a QR code that will allow you to connect to our MobileConnect Wi-Fi. You will only need to do this once on any given device as it will remember your settings going forward. Patron support and assistance will be available at all Coat Checks as well. In addition, each space in the building, whether it’s the Jack Singer Concert Hall or the Engineered Air Theatre at Arts Commons will have its own individual QR code. When you return for another performance, your device will remember the space and have it as an option when you enter.
For people who don’t have Bluetooth enabled devices or a smartphone, there will be courtesy devices at coat check that you can sign out for free. Our Front of House staff will help get you up and running so you can enjoy a barrier-free performance.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of our friends at the City of Calgary, along with champions from the Campbell McLaurin Foundation. Named in honour of the former chair of the foundation board, The Doug Mitchell Assistive Listening System will enhance your experience in the Jack Singer Concert Hall.
For more information on how Arts Commons is making strides to be accessible, visit artscommons.ca/accessibility.
