The importance and challenge of accessibility in museums requires, thoughtfulness, planning and commitment.
The value of museums not only depends on the cultural significance of the objects they exhibit, but also on their ability to provide improved access to their spaces and services. Despite increased efforts in the global museum sector, there are still important barriers (e.g., cultural, financial, historical, physical, etc) that inhibit full participation in museums and cultural spaces. How can museums identify accessibility barriers? How can they leverage their resources to develop new accessibility initiatives? And how can these projects incorporate community perspectives?
This webinar offers insights into these critical questions by exploring the impacts and challenges of accessibility design in museums. It provides an overview of the benefits of creating accessibility initiatives based on three principles of community consultation, participatory design, and co-creation, which bring museums closer toward greater accessibility and participation. This workshop reveals how museums, regardless of their size, focus and location, can develop accessibility tools and strategies to create more equal, inclusive, and welcoming spaces.
Please join us on Thursday, August 24, 2023 starting at 11:00 am - register here!
Our Facilitator:
Simge Erdogan-O’Connor (she/her) is an international museum scholar and professional with over 10 years of experience in museums, art galleries, and heritage sites across the UK, Canada, and Turkey. Throughout her career, Simge has led various academic research projects and developed innovative curatorial, educational, and digital initiatives. With a specialization in social and global museum practices, she is passionate about promoting community engagement within cultural institutions. Currently, Simge holds the position of the Manager and Curator at the Murney Tower Museum where she overseas museum operations and strategic projects and is completing her Ph.D. studies in Cultural Studies at Queen’s university. Her writings on museums appears in academic journals, books, and online publications.
