MO.CO

This project led by the MOCO of Montpellier allows people with visual impairment to visit the temporary exhibitions of contemporary art through touch. Thanks to a partnership with a high school specialized in plastic arts and the School of Fine Arts of Montpellier, models of the works presented during the exhibitions are recreated by the students, so that people with visual impairment can get an idea of their appearance. Moreover, the students who make the models are made aware of vision disorders, so this project creates like a virtuous circle.

This project helps professionals because it does not generate high costs. Indeed, the 3D models can be made internally, and partnerships with schools can easily be set up. This project is a track to allow professionals to consider new visitor experiences for a public with disabilities. It is important to allow them access other than auditory, although this is necessary. With this example, visually impaired people have access to contemporary art, which is pretty hard for them in general.

MO.CO (Montpellier Contemporain)

South of France, Montpellier

Museum

Temporary project

Since 4 years, for now the end date hasn't been decided

Physical

Blind and people with visual impairment, Deaf and hard of hearing

Reconstruction of works of art in model format / Creation of tactile models so that visually impaired people can touch what they don’t/can’t see. Those models are in 3D.

Lycée Notre Dame de la Merci and Montpellier School of Fine Arts

Budget of the mediation department of MO.CO, and material provided by the high school and the museum

The project is adaptable for several museums, it does not require too large expenses, models can be done internally or in partnership with schools + Possible reuse of models for an audience of young children.

Through this workshop, the students who make the models are made aware of vision disorders, and the visually impaired are offered a new visit experience. The groups for the visits are reduced, which allows privileged access to the models of works. The museum becomes a safe place for people with disabilities, where they can meet and exchange.

The feedback from this project is mostly positive. The composition of groups of visitors with disabilities is quite limited but little by little new visitors become aware of it. (We can contact the people directly concerned if needed).

“The irrefutable proof that the project appeals is that people come back. We have regulars who come back to each exhibition”.

Charlotte Winling (project manager at MO.CO).