Thirteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

3D printing now permits paintings, drawings and photographs to be reproduced in physical form, allowing visually impaired persons to haptically “see” previously inaccessible 2D artworks through touch, and cognitively impaired persons to better understand it. Yet, there are few examples of museums and other cultural institutions engaging in these sensory art projects. While many factors may explain this low worldwide take up, the law may have some role to play, particularly intellectual property law. Copyright, moral rights, human rights, and contract law all may directly or indirectly influence these sensory art translations. How might legal risk and uncertainty reduce inclusivity and equity in cultural engagement by persons with a disability? To what extent do perceptions of legal rights and risk reflect reality? This presentation will give an accessible overview of the mixed legal landscape governing disability access to visual art. It will explain the complex matrix of stakeholders and their interests involved in facilitating touchable art through a number of case studies, and how the law can both encourage and chill sensory art translations of modern and contemporary art. Ultimately, a better understanding of the law should foster greater inclusive democratisation of art.