The OSU Urban Arts Space Education Department is dedicated to fostering substantial interactions between the greater Columbus community and our diverse performing and visual arts. Through a variety of programming we strive to promote equal access to quality arts education. By means of an interactive approach we nurture critical, creative thinking and instill a foundation for enduring art expression and appreciation.

You may request large-print for any of our print materials, including artists' statements and curator notes, by contacting the Space. For information about large-print materials or visual description (on guided tours for visitors who are blind or visually impaired), sign language interpreters, or print scripts; or to arrange for braille or large-print materials to be created, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator. Allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

Several tours are offered that take into consideration the characteristics of a wide variety of disabilities. These tours are led by specially trained guides and include:

These tours are available by prearrangement for individuals or groups from the mental health community as well as those with Autism, Alzheimer's, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, or other unique perspectives. Themed tours are developed around the needs and interests of the participants and can focus on any aspect of the exhibitions, with appropriate touchable and visual materials to supplement descriptions and discussions.

Starting April 22nd, 2009, audio tours will present the opportunity to learn more about an exhibition, or take a self-guided tour of the space. You will be able to subscribe to our free audio podcasts for use on your mp3 player or you can borrow one of our iPods during your visit.

Tours of exhibitions are available by prearrangement for individuals or groups who are deaf or hearing impaired. Printed scripts of audio tours may be available by request.

At Urban Arts Space we seek students and volunteers who are interested in making a meaningful contribution to our mission. As a bustling center, all team members are expected to work well independently, take initiative, and be ready to learn and take direction. Most importantly, applicants should be passionate about fostering the arts and humanities...but you don't have to be an 'artist' to apply! Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student is encouraged to apply for a position at the Space. You do not need to be a student to volunteer!

There is a designated barrier-free entrance and approved accessible parking for vehicles displaying the appropriate disability permits, located in the Ohio Statehouse Parking Garage. This garage has entrances off of both Broad Street and Third Street and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis with a pay-per-hour fee. There is also a drop-off-only space located on State Street, near High Street, in front the Ohio Theatre, allowing a driver to drop off a passenger near (1 block away) the accessible entrance of the OSU Urban Arts Space, without paying the parking fees.

The OSU Urban Arts Space is also equipped with accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. All of the gallery spaces, including the conference room, are completely barrier-free.

Accessible Programs help people with disabilities enjoy their visit to the OSU Urban Arts Space and find inspiring connections between the arts and their lives. Visitors may explore the space on their own, or may request a personalized tour.

For more information, please contact Scott Neal, our Accessibility Coordinator, by phone at (614) 292-8861 or TTY, through the Ohio Relay Service at (800) 750-0750, or by fax at (614) 223-1587.