“these features aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential to making the art world less exclusive” | philadelphia

An article by Courtney Duchene about the ‘LOOK HERE’ show at Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery was featured in The Philadelphia Citizen online, highlighting many of the accessible features of the exhibition. ‘LOOK HERE’ showcases work from six artists working from the Center for Creative Works (CCW) progressive art studio in Philadelphia and it was co-curated by CCW artists Mary T. Bevlock and Paige Donovan, alongside British curator Jennifer Gilbert. A few snippets here share Courtney’s thoughts around the accessible elements shared:

“Seeing art is typical in a gallery. But this exhibit also has touch panels to feel them, audio descriptions for each work, even sniffable panels, so that visitors can smell ice cream depicted in one sketch. Also: sensory backpacks upon request.

The space is designed to be accessible and inclusive. As you enter, you can borrow a sensory backpack containing headphones and fidget objects. The gallery wall text is off to the side, so as not to create crowds right at the entrance, which can be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. There are audio descriptions of one work from each artist, video interviews accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL) and braille, easy-read and large-print booklets that visitors can take with them through the gallery. Paintings, sketches and sculptures that are displayed on the walls are hung about six inches lower than a typical gallery, allowing better access to visitors in wheelchairs.

Gilbert said: These features aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential to making the art world less exclusive.”