Partnering is an essential concept in nowadays society, including for cultural organizations. The large majority of activities in the cultural sector is done in the framework of partnerships that involve a variety of other organizations contributing to the success of the designed event, be it exhibition, concert, workshop, conference, etc.
In order to ensure equitable access to the event, the content hereof should be ideally checked upon and finetuned together with as many adaptability partners as possible.
The most common example that comes to mind is the one of the physical accessibility of the venues. It has been the type of special need that has been the first to be recognized and taken into account in public spaces in general and then gradually also in museum and cultural organizations. It is also the type of adaptability that may be the most difficult to implement in historical buildings which often house museums and cultural organizations such as libraries, theatres, opera houses, and so on.
In the case of the Palace of Culture of Iași, Romania, headquarters of the “Moldova” National Museum Complex, upon the recent restoration of the building (2008–2016), elevators were mounted to ensure access between the different floors, as well as wheelchairs that can be provided for free upon request once inside the building. Mobile ramps are also available to ensure access inside the building.
The building was chosen as an example of good practice for public institutions in terms of physical accessibility within a TV reportage done in 2024, at the suggestion of a person in a wheelchair knowing already the place.
As far as the deaf community is concerned, “Moldova” National Museum Complex of Iași, Romania, has a thorough partnership with ANPEDA, which, in the framework of two other projects, has taught the museum staff in basic usage of sign language and has provided the museum with adequate training and badge so to be able to act as an inclusive deaf-oriented equal opportunity provider.
In partnership with the Association of the Blind of Iași County, the museum has created 3D moulds starting from three paintings in its collections so that they can be more easily accessible to visually impaired persons.
It is essential to test the real needs of the targeted public, particularly those facing various difficulties in accessing the museum content. This way, it is possible to provide a better experience for the concerned public, to make better use of the available funds, and to avoid mistakes which may be caused by incomplete perspectives.
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Label of Certified Equal Opportunity Provider granted to “Moldova” National Museum Complex of Iași, Romania, following the participation as an associated partner of ANPEDA Iași, Romania, in training courses for the museum staff on accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing persons.