March 22, 2019
Kochi Muziris Biennale is one of the biggest art festivals
in the world. The event lasts for three months and is held every two years.
This year’s Biennale got thumbs up for its introduction of many inclusive
features. From showcasing works of youngsters with autism to making the
Biennale venue accessible for people with disabilities, the organizers did
not leave any stone unturned to make sure that Muziris Biennale is made
disabled friendly. The event is coming to a close this month. Last week, they
introduced Braille texts for visually impaired art lovers for
the first time in its last four editions.
25 exclusive Braille books were introduced so that visually impaired people
who visit the 108 day long festival will get the best out of it.
These books were sponsored by Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) in
collaboration with Access4All.
Siddhant Shah, an Accessibility Consultant and Founder of
Access4All is super excited when he talks about these new Braille
texts.
I have been closely following Biennale ever since it was first launched. We
took the texts to many blind schools as well and they got a better and
in-depth understanding of the beautiful art works. Introduction of these
Braille texts is a great way of promoting inclusion. For the organizers of
Biennale, it did not really matter that the event was coming to a close.
They were still in for working on these texts. They have also promised me
that next time more features will be introduced to reach out to art lovers
with all kinds of disabilities-Siddhant Shah, Founder,
Access4All
It is important to make art accessible. With technological advancements, it
is not impossible to reach out to more disabled people. That way, Kochi
Muziris Biennale is true torch bearers of inclusion. Bose
Krishnamachari, Co-founder of Muziris Biennale, has assured that
Braille texts will be introduced from day 1 of the next Biennale.
Husna Ameen is a visually impaired person from Kerala. Ameen
is a computer trainer who reaches out to blind people. She
says that the initiative by Biennale organizers is a great way to promote
inclusion. But it definitely comes with a setback.
“Not every visually impaired person knows to read Braille. Nowadays, there
are many technologies that help visually impaired people to know things
better. Hence, it is not really necessary to know Braille. I believe audio
feedbacks about art works would have been a better option. I have not even
come across any art galleries that reach out to blind people. So for those
who love art and know Braille, this new introduction is definitely great”,
says Husna Ameen.
Kochi Muziris Biennale will come to an end on 29 March. If you
still have not checked out this visual treat, make sure that you do not miss
one of world’s biggest art festivals.
ALSO READ: Rising Star Tours & Travels is helping visually impaired
people experience the magic of new places
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21745
