How to make your art more accessible?
As a visual artist, you have many opportunities to make your work more accessible to all types of art lovers, including disabled persons. In this episode we share a recording from a recent live free panel discussion that the Level Up Artists podcast hosted as a joint partnership between Arts Access and Triangle ArtWorks. We discuss ideas, mindset shifts, and practical tips that both artists and art professionals can implement to make art accessible for more people.
Is Your Art Accessible? - Tools for Visual Artists
Is your art as accessible as it can be? As a visual artist you have many opportunities to make your work more accessible to all types of viewers and potential clients. Learn about the many ways you can make your work accessible when you join us for a panel discussion with artists Michelle Davis Petelinz and Samir Knego, hosted by Adriana Ameigh and Jackie Sanders of Level Up Artists podcast.
From signage at your next solo show to social media tweaks that will broaden your reach, this discussion will be filled with ideas you can implement immediately to make your work more accessible. This event will be captioned via automated transcription and an ASL interpreter will be part of the discussion.
This free programming is a joint project between Arts Access and Triangle ArtWorks, with support from Level Up Artists.
Questions Discussed:
Why do you choose to present your work in ways that make it more accessible?
When you are considering an exhibit space for your work, are there things that you look for or things that you avoid in a space? What are some of the hidden issues that artists might not think about when considering an exhibit space?
How much freedom do you have as an exhibiting artist to adjust the layout and presentation of your shows to accommodate visitors with disabilities? What are some things you really look for in an exhibit space?
What is the main physical thing you try to change or adjust when you are setting up an exhibit of your work?
What are some technological augmentations and extensions to exhibits that you are working with? Can we talk about how you implement them and why?
What are some of the barriers for adding technology to an exhibit that you have heard artists overcome?
What does it mean to be part of an arts scene when parts are off limits?
Have you seen a great example of arts accessibility that sticks out in your mind?
Do you have any resources or references that you think can help artists with what we have discussed tonight?
How do you define success as an artist?
Big Takeaways
Accessibility considerations are needed for all types of people – visual and physical disabilities, age, cultural considerations, ect.
Make folks feel welcome! Disability is not a monolith, it isn’t just one community, it’s the only minority that everyone could have
Discussion Points + Topics
Physical accessibility
Exhibition labels - height and font size
Height of where things are hung
Wheelchair navigation
Large print materials
Multi-sensory artwork experiences
Being aware of lighting and sensory overload
Using Technology as a Tool For Accessibility
Alt images online
Audio described tour (can include writing)
QR codes
Action Items
Rich spatial audio experience
ASL interpretation before
Tactile exhibit outside the theater or gallery
Cultural accessibility and narrative context
Seating for audience (expanded accessible seating, accessible and all gender restrooms)
Digitally live stream in person events and discussions virtually
…and more!
Links Referenced in This Conversation
Triangle Artworks Website: https://www.triangleartworks.org/
Social Media: @triangleartworks
Arts Access Link https://artsaccessinc.org
TAW events page link https://www.triangleartworks.org/events
Art Access Exhibition - Series of Unfortunate Events - https://sites.google.com/artsaccessinc.org/sofe2022movement/home
Meet the Presenters
Artist Michelle Davis Petelinz is a Raleigh-based visual artist who creates colorful, mixed media work. Learn more here.
Artist Samir Knego is a NC-based poet, painter and writer on arts, disability and disability arts. Learn more here.
Triangle ArtWorks is a nonprofit organization working to provide services, support, and professional development for the arts sector across all artistic disciplines in all five counties of the Triangle region of North Carolina.
Stay Connected with Triangle ArtWorks:
Website: https://www.triangleartworks.org/
Social Media: @triangleartworks
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