Thirteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

A meditation on the value of the social model of disability in museum exhibitions and events using case studies from disability-themed exhibitions. The presentation explores practical steps for building an authentic curatorial practice for access and inclusivity, highlighting low-tech accessibility that requires collaboration rather than money. Five main lessons are shared that will encourage content developers to go beyond government-mandated standards and approach access as an activist practice. Collaboration is essential and builds knowledge; Trust is built slowly and creates a network; Large Print Labels show understanding (Braille shows enthusiasm); Accessible Online Content is easy to create; and Accessible Events may need planning but will build a strong, loyal community. Projects presented were created by the author as an independent curator. They include: “Patient No More” a disability history exhibition for the Longmore Institute on Disability at SFSU, “Dis/Play” an art exhibit for disabled and non-disabled artists at SOMArts (SF), “Cripping the Quilt” a solo exhibition of work by Corbett OToole at the SF Art Institute, “Changemakers” an exhibition of portraits of disability changemakers commissioned from disabled artists at the SF Public Library, and “The Art of DC” an exhibition critiquing Access + Ability, created by the Cooper Hewitt.