5 minute read
Cultural Heritage for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusion is a concept that concerns us all, not necessarily people with disabilities
by Maria Lina Anagnostidou
Thessaloniki is a city rich in cultural heritage with a long history that spans thousands of years. From the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum to the Byzantine churches that dot the city’s skyline, Thessaloniki is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Given that, its museums are home to some of the most important artifacts and exhibits in Greece. However, for many visitors, cultural heritage can be a complex and challenging subject to engage with. This is where inclusive applications come in, promoting a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and celebrating the diversity that makes our world so rich.
Advancing Inclusive Cultural Heritage: The Transformation of Museums in Thessaloniki through Collaboration
In recent years, museums in Thessaloniki have made great strides in implementing inclusive cultural heritage solutions. These practices are designed to create a more welcoming environment for visitors with different backgrounds, abilities, and needs. The Metropolitan Organization of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus has implemented a series of impactful events and museum programs that prioritize a human-centered approach. These programs, among others, include Date at MOMus: A Walk Together (2022), the CAre Art Program (2020), and Mind’s Eye: Touching Art (2020).
The Date at MOMus program, in collaboration with the Day Employment Center for People with Memory Disorders of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, catered to individuals with memory disorders and their caregivers. Through multisensory programs, the objective was to encourage social engagement, create opportunities for free, associative expression, and facilitate connections among participants who shared similar experiences. Instead of focusing solely on memory performance, these programs prioritized enhancing the quality of life and strengthening relationships. They provided a time for relaxation and enjoyment for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
In the CAre Art Program for oncology patients, 18 participants engaged in exclusive photographic activities centered around the concept of self-portraiture. The themes explored included the influence of space on the human psyche, elements of personality, and interpersonal relationships. This program aimed to provide a meaningful and valuable experience for the participants, fostering empathy and dignity.
The Mind’s Eye project aimed to include individuals with visual impairments in contemporary art and raise awareness about social inclusion. It resulted in the creation of a “system” of interconnected applications that combine audio and tactile stimuli, offering a unique way to experience and perceive art beyond sight. These inclusive applications were afterwards donated to the museum and continue to provide access to selected artworks from the permanent collection equally to people with or without visual impairment.
Inclusive Expressions: The Mind’s Eye Project and Off Stream’s Pursuit of Equality through Art and Culture
The Mind’s Eye project was an initiative of Off Stream, an organization founded by Christina Vlachou and Stela Anastasaki, who vision a more inclusive society where different cultural, artistic, and social positions find space for expression. Their projects stand out for their remarkable quality of catering to individuals, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not, promoting equality.
Among their greatest projects is Sonic Memorabilia (October 2021), in which 10 participants with and without visual impairments discovered the power of the sounds that surround us, made field recordings, and finally created their own sound compositions in the form of sound collages. The Sonic Memorabilia playlist is available on Off Streams website.
Another remarkable educational program is Cut Outs (July 2021), where children aged 5–15 years old, who experience different levels of sight loss, painted with scented colors on the surface of papers, which they later cut into shapes, forming patterns either by hand or by scissors. Then they glued the abstract and schematic forms they created on a large cardboard surface, creating a group composition inspired by Matisse’s practice, bearing the scent of summer!
Urging Museums Towards a Human-Centered Future: Embracing Inclusion and Empowering Marginalized Voices
In conclusion, it is imperative for museums to prioritize a human-centered approach that is crucial for the future of coexistence. It encompasses the museums’ relationship with the broader community and their responsiveness to evolving multicultural and intercultural dynamics. Additionally, it involves empowering marginalized audience groups who have historically been voiceless, such as people with disabilities, indigenous communities, ethnic and racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. So, inclusion should permeate every aspect of museum operations, including exhibition design, building accessibility, and innovative initiatives catering to diverse needs. After all, these concepts are relevant and applicable to all of us!
For additional details about the programs, you can explore the websites of Offstream and MOMus.
Special thanks to the founders of Offstream Christina Vlachou & Stela Anastasaki,and Vasiliki Polyzouli museologist, museum educator and education supervisor at MOMus Museum of Contemporary Art, for making this article a reality!
