Together with ART BALI, we organized an exhibition tour involving Deaf community in Bali (Putra Putri Tuli Bali) and visual impairment community (PERTUNI Bali and Komunitas Teratai). Most of them have never visited an art exhibition before. Here are their comments:
“Hopefully the committee will continue to make an accessible art exhibition tour, so that the insights could be spread evenly in the communities. When moving during the exhibition tour, the speaker should speak more slowly so that the information is not interrupted and confusing. Especially when there are discussions and questions.” – Dinda, Putra Putri Tuli Bali
“I think it will be more convenient if there is a special exhibition tour for the Deaf. But if it is combined with the others it is fine, just maybe the group can be separated.”- Fani, Putra Putri Tuli Bali
“This is the first time our community is invited to an art exhibition. In my opinion, it is important to come to an art exhibition because it adds more to our imagination, our visualization ability (tactile stimulation), insights, and knowledge about the latest art trends. My suggestion is that the distance between one object and another should be rather wide.”- Iwan Cahyadi, Komunitas Teratai
“I think it’s important to come to an art exhibition. Besides we know about the art trends, we can also meet the artists and exchange ideas. The accessibility during the tour was good, with 1 companion for 1 visual impairement team. Actually, we don’t need excessive access, only companions.”- Yoga, Komunitas Teratai
We also got a chance to talk with a sign language interpreter. Here is what she said: “In my opinion, the moves (during the tour) are rather difficult for our Deaf friends. They must focus on one thing, but behind them there is also a design and an exhibition. So they are confused about which one to look at.
They emphasize on the visual. They have to see my hand, but they also want to know what the explanation is. If done together, it will be less effective. I think it will be better if we explained first for 1 minute, then give them time to look at the artwork.
Sign language interpreter (JBI) position have to be next to the speaker. Usually the position of the Deaf is in front of the group. I have to be next to the speaker because I have to really listen to what is being said. In providing JBI services, it is important to consider the duration and intensity of the event. For example the program is only 1 hour but it is very intense, it will be better if the committee provide 2 JBI people.”- Tya, Sign Language Interpreter
This article was written originally in Indonesian as a part of Inklusivitas Kolaborasi seni dan Kreatif, a result of our Project Gerakan Kreabilitas, which is a project funded by British Council’s Developing Inclusive Creative Economy (DICE).
The complete toolkit in Indonesian is available to be downloaded here.
Read our previous article about how to make an inclusive art exhibition here.
