Three-Part Workshop: Interpreting Art with Visual Impairment

Begins 18 May, 7-8pm, continuing with collaborative workshops 11 June & 23 July // At Turf Gallery // Free & refreshments provided

Caroline Dawson, a specialist in interpretation of artworks for the visually impaired, will be delivering a three-part talk and workshop series over the coming months, using Turf Projects’ upcoming exhibition Ground as a basis and playground to explore and investigate how visually impaired people experience art within galleries.

Beginning with an introductory talk, Q&A on the 18 May, Caroline will bookend Ground with two workshops (11 June & 23 July). The first will collaboratively explore making the exhibition accessible for the visually impaired, with the second analysing and feeding back on its success and considering long-term applications – both within and outside Turf. Attending all sessions isn’t compulsory or necessary to get a feel for the subject but is recommended for those who want to follow the process from development to implementation to assessment.

18 MAY // TALK & Q&A

This introductory talk from Caroline will consider the interpretation of art by the visually impaired and will provide insight into the practical implications of providing access for those with visual impairment. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and is the first in a series of three events to be held at Turf Projects relating to visual impairment and the interpretation of art.

11 JUNE, 1-4pm // WORKSHOP

The first workshop will run on Saturday 11 June, 1-4pm, and will offer participants the chance to discuss, experiment with, and experience creating alternative interpretation of Ground for visually-impaired visitors (or anyone wishing to access the exhibition alternatively), which will then be available for the duration of the show.

23 JULY 4-5pm // FEEDBACK & ANALYSIS

This second workshop will run during the closing day of Ground, acting as a feedback session and ongoing conclusion for the alternative interpretation that was created with visually-impaired visitors in mind during the first workshop on 11 June. Here participants will be able to discuss and assess the success of the project, and consider how alternative interpretation can be brought in on a long-term basis, both within and outside of Turf.

// ABOUT CAROLINE DAWSON

Caroline Dawson is a London-based access consultant who specialises in improving the interpretation of museum and gallery exhibits for visually impaired people.