When you think of visual art, what comes to mind?
Perhaps a colorful oil painting on canvas, hanging in a museum gallery?
Or, a bronze sculpture, sitting on a pedestal?
When you think of art museums and galleries, you may also think about standing approximately three feet away from an artwork, viewing the piece at a distance. Touching – of course – is prohibited.
The term “visual” art implies that art is typically experienced through the eyes alone. Yet, what does this mean for someone with moderate vision loss or total blindness?
Are art experiences, including museum visits, art classes and workshops, and cultural participation through the visual arts, possible for an individual with vision loss?
We argue that the answer is a resounding yes.
While visual elements are a major portion of visual artworks, additional senses – such as hearing and touch – enliven and enrich the visual art experience for everyone. And, when the multi-sensory nature of visual art is emphasized, we often find increased opportunities for all to experience the fundamental human drive to create and make meaning through artistic expression.
Image Description: Photo of a large white piece of paper on a desk. A child’s hand splashes brightly colored paint across the paper.
This Course is For:
Visual Arts & Accessibility has been designed for two major audiences (which may overlap):
#1: Individuals with visual impairments who seek to learn more about visual arts and accessible art history. This course also provides information on key art terminology, online resources, and online organizations that support accessible art experiences for the blind and visually impaired.
#2: Professionals in arts fields who are seeking to better understand the BVI (blind, visually impaired) experience and improve accessibility in their museums, galleries, and educational programming.
Image Description: Photo of the back of a woman; she wears an academic cap and gown. Additional graduates are visible but blurred in the background.