The arts are for everyone and Wilson Arts is committed to ensuring that our facilities and programming are in fact accessible to all!
If there is a need that is not addressed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to Amy Wahl, Office Manager at (252) 291-4329 or amy@wilsonarts.com with your specific request. We will work together and will do our best to accommodate your needs at our events and programs.
Mobility Needs
Both the Wilson Arts Center and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center are in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilson. While there are many lots nearby, unfortunately, there is not a dedicated accessible parking area right out front.
For guests with physical or mobility impairments that may limit a person's walking distance or for guests that use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches, Wilson Arts offers the following recommendations:
Wilson Arts Center
Street parking in front of the facility on Nash Street or on the side streets on Goldsboro and Douglas Street provides the closest area to our entrance. The Wilson Arts Center is not accessible from the rear parking lot behind the Wilson Arts Center and visitors must walk around or be dropped off in the front on Nash Street. There is a standard wheelchair available for use as the gallery is large (around 5,000 sq. ft.). There is also some bench seating available in the gallery for breaks.
Edna Boykin Cultural Center
Farris and Thomas Law has graciously allowed us to use their parking lot at the corner of Nash St. and Tarboro St. as Accessibility Parking. Look for the blue Accessibility Parking sign. If there are still mobility concerns, the side door to the theater is located next to the Wilson Times parking lot. We recommend being dropped off at the side theater entrance and calling the box office at (252) 291-4329 to let us know of your arrival. An usher or staff member will meet you at the door to collect tickets and help get you seated. Parking is allowed in the Wilson Times parking lot after normal business hours.
The Edna Boykin Cultural Center offers wheelchair-accessible seating. In addition, there are also seating options for guests with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments. To purchase tickets or for related ticket questions please contact our Box Office at (252) 291-4329 or email us at boxoffice@wilsonarts.com.
Sign Language Requests
Wilson Arts will provide sign language interpretation for guests with hearing disabilities upon request. Please note that requests require notification ten business days/two weeks in advance of the show date. To request an interpreter at a show, please contact Amy Wahl, Wilson Arts Office Manager, by email at amy@wilsonarts.com or by phone at (252) 291-4329, and let her know the service you are requesting and which event you plan to attend.
Assistive Listening Devices
Edna Boykin Cultural Center
Assistive Listening Devices are available upon request. Please ask for an FM receiver and earphones at the Box Office located in the lobby. These devices are free to use during showed at The Boykin Center, but must be returned to the Box Office at the end of the event.
Service Animals
Definition of a “Service Animal”: A service animal is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability and the presence of the dog is acceptable to the event organizer and venue operator. The tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are welcome inside the Wilson Arts Center and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center and must always remain on a leash or in a harness.
Purpose of a Service Animal: In accordance with the ADA, Wilson Arts may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. Wilson Arts will not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.
Identifying Service Animals: At Wilson Arts, we place a high value on the comfort and safety of our guests. We ask that service animals remain on a collar, or leash, and wear the proper attire including a tag and or vest identifying themselves as a service animal.
Emotional Support Animals Are Not Permitted: Please note that emotional support, therapy, comfort, companion animals or service-animals-in-training are not considered service animals under the ADA. Wilson Arts will not recognize emotional support animals as service animals.
Questions? Contact Us!
If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you. Please contact us in advance at boxoffice@wilsonarts.com or call (252) 291-4329.