Improving Intellectual Access in Temporary Exhibitions for Sight Loss Visitors Through Co-creation and Co-assessment

Abstract

This research project investigates how to inclusively design and curate a non-permanent design exhibition in a large regional gallery (the National Centre for Craft and Design, UK), focusing on intellectual access for blind and partially sighted visitors. There are approximately two million people in the UK who are registered with sight loss. Older people are increasingly likely to experience sight loss and they are the fastest growing visitor group (65–74 years) to UK museums and galleries. The context and rationale for the research, and how the author has collaborated with various stakeholders, including blind and partially sighted participants, through co-creation and co-assessment, is imparted. The resulting multi-sensory exhibition (28 January–23 April 2017), how it was tested and visitors’ reactions is also described.

Keywords:

• inclusive exhibition design
• sight loss visitors
• co-creation
• co-assessment, inclusive exhibition curation
• non-permanent exhibitions

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of the co-creation and co-assessment participants, NCCD gallery assistants, Midlands regional RNIB and SENSE participants, exhibition visitors, Arnaud Dechelle, Kevin Hallsworth, Zoe Partington, Colin Webb, and Bryony Windsor.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne Chick

Anne Chick is considered an early key contributor to the research and practice of design for sustainability in the UK and internationally. Since joining the University of Lincoln in late 2011 she has been responsibility for the University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 Unit of Assessment 34 submission, and has been Acting Head of School and Acting Deputy Head of School. She is presently School Director of Research. Her other primary research project is exploring through co-production: How can private domiciliary care in rural England contribute to improving the wellbeing of older people with assisted living needs?