The Allentown Art Museum is partnering with Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) on its Access Culture Initiative, hosting one in a series of workshops for artists, arts professionals, and the interested public to help them effectively engage audiences with disabilities. The next sessions will take place on Monday, April 7 at LUAG. Participation is free, but please rsvp below.

“When the idea to collaborate first emerged,” says Margie Makowski, the Museum’s manager of accessibility, “I was excited to work with both LUAG and Sights for Hope. Our goal was to dive deeper into accessibility topics such as audio descriptions and tactile resources for educational spaces. This collaboration aims to share knowledge, learn alongside other arts organizations, and implement meaningful accessibility practices.” Margie and others in the AAM’s Education and Public Engagement department have participated in several Access Culture programs and events.

Here are details about the upcoming sessions:

Part 1: Audio Description in Arts Organizations
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This informative workshop on audio description (AD) shows how it can enhance accessibility in arts organizations such as museums and theaters. This two-hour session will cover the fundamentals of creating vivid and engaging descriptions for artworks, with a focus on how audio description is used in museum environments. You’ll explore examples of both successful and ineffective descriptions, learn about the creation and implementation process, and discover how LUAG Education & Accessibility students and staff incorporate community feedback into their AD initiatives.

By the end of the session you’ll have access to online resources, sample audio descriptions, and a solid understanding of how to integrate audio descriptions into your educational practices to ensure accessibility for all audiences.

Lunch is provided from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

Part 2: Developing Tactile Education Materials for Museum & Gallery Tours
1:30 -3:30 p.m.

What are tactile materials, and how can they create new opportunities for engagement and learning for all visitors? This hands-on workshop with educators from the Allentown Art Museum will dive into the use of tactile materials in museum and gallery settings. You’ll explore various tactile materials and artworks and then design your own tactile materials—whether based on existing ideas or entirely new concepts.

Participants will leave with online resources, a clear understanding of tactile materials, insights on how to create effective tactiles, and ideas for incorporating them into your educational practices. You’ll also receive a small tactile sample that you create during the workshop!

Click here to register for the event and select whether you’d like to attend both sessions or just one!