Rich Mix is a vibrant independent cinema and cross-arts centre in East London, just next to Brick Lane. This huge former garment factory now houses a three-screen cinema; exhibition and event spaces, café and bar. It’s an independent arts venue in an industrial sized building.
As their name suggests, Rich Mix puts on a really interesting and eclectic mix of different art forms, from visual arts to dance, which are bold but can be a little bit hit and miss. In the cinemas and beyond you could find something really original or you might sit through a bit of a pretentious stinker! Whatever the case, you’ll at least know that as a registered charity, all profits are used to support arts and education in the local community.
The Guardian said that the film programme “feels inclusive whilst still maintaining a lovingly crafted feeling. A combination of new releases, regular arts projects and film festivals mean that in any given week, viewers can see the latest big budget blockbuster alongside an independent documentary or shorts programme.”
It’s a stylish building with wide open, flat spaces (good for wheelchair users!) and trendy furniture. It’s a very dynamic and youthful space, like so many places in East London at the moment. During the World Cup they’re showing the games on one of their big screens as part of their Joga Bola! Brazilian themed festival. This also includes live music, street art and theatre!
Rich Mix is fully accessible for wheelchair users thanks to lifts and the flat floors of this massive complex. All cinema screens have a fully integrated infra-red system for guests who are hard of hearing and they have got adapted toilets. There are two disabled parking bays behind the building. Accessible seating is available in all their screens but is quite limited in terms of numbers – call in advance.
Rich Mix is a modern, urban performance space and cinema. It’s cool, if not spectacular and the access seems good. We give them a provisional 2.5 BBS Ticks.
