ACCESSIBILITY: MORE THAN A BUTTON ON A DOOR

MUSEUM INNOVATIONS

BY: KEELAN CASHMORE

ac-ces-si-ble (adj)

capable of being reached

capable of being used or seen

capable of being understood or appreciated

If I asked you why accessibility in museums is important, what would you say? You might say something like “museums are for everyone”, or “every individual deserves the opportunity to experience museums”. And if you did, you’d be right.

But what defines accessibility?

Is it having closed captioning on videos? Or wheelchair ramps? Is it as simple as having changing tables in men’s washrooms? Or does it involve the strategic placement of seats in exhibits?

The answer is yes.

Examples of accessibility markers. Source.

But accessibility is also so much more than these physical adaptations to museums. It is bringing neurodiverse artists to light in the best way possible - exhibiting their work and showcasing their talent.

The Museum of Special Art (MOSA) in Bothwell, Washington, takes a brand-new approach to the idea of accessibility.

MOSA brings a new perspective and it is not a ‘typical’ museum. “… [MOSA] is a non-profit corporation developed to meet the current needs of children and special adults with disabilities by providing access to the visual arts, educational opportunities, career development, art internships, and work opportunities for artists with disabilities.” (Source.)

One of the current exhibitions, Unlimited, exhibits the work of autistic artists in recognition of Autism Awareness. This is exciting, as it brings a new voice to artists with disabilities and caters to artists of all ages and abilities.

Museum of Special Art banner. Source.

MOSA places a special emphasis on both the historical preservation of the art, and the art itself. These can be outlined as such:

1) “ Because of the physical and/or developmental challenges these artists face, it can be difficult to access the visual arts. Many have limited access to art programs, materials, adaptive equipment and may not have the advocacy skills needed to care for their artwork and submit their work for exhibitions...  it is imperative that we preserve the historical value of artwork created by artists with disabilities for future generations to come.” (Source.)

2) “The artwork itself is so profound and inspirational and comes from a unique viewpoint of artists with disabilities. Many of these artists who have developmental, physical disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries, who face day to day functional challenges rise above all odds to create the most beautiful masterpieces.” (Source.)

Museum of Special Art. Source. 

So – why is MOSA important?

MOSA is important not only in terms of museums, but in terms of equality in general. MOSA plays an integral role in breaking down barriers for artists with disabilities. Personally, I think this is a fantastic take on accessibility. Instead of developing ways to make a museum accessible to people with disabilities as patrons, MOSA makes them the focus.

Something else I discovered was that MOSA also provides an Open Studio, where artists with disabilities can create the artwork of their choice. I think this extension to the museum is a good way to further foster a love of creativity within artists with disabilities. Instead of simply being a building in which artists with disabilities can display their work, MOSA creates a welcoming and experimental space. For any artist, acceptance and opportunity can have an incredibly positive impact on both their work, and who they are as an artist.

Museum of Special Art banner. Source.

It is incredibly important to recognize differences and diversity in artists and open museums to new forms of artwork. I am absolutely thrilled to see that MOSA is pushing that boundary and I hope museums like MOSA will soon become the “norm” rather than an “innovation”.