Fragile Categories Project
Initiatives for accessibility and introduction to the contemporary arts for fragile audiences during the Biennale Architettura 2023.
The initiative is free of charge, and is concentrated in the summer months, from May to September.
In recent decades, there has been increasing attention, at the international level, to questions of accessibility to the cultural heritage for people affected by physical or mental disabilities: the central issue in the debate – as stated in the United Nations 2006 Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – is the value of culture understood as a common good, in a perspective of social inclusion in which “all of art is for all” and of cultural participation as a driver for the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.
Along with the removal of physical barriers from the spaces of cultural enjoyment, there is a growing awareness of the need to eliminate language and cognitive barriers as well: this translates into a more ample concept of accessibility, which includes the relationship with the immaterial dimension of human beings: access to content, to concepts, to thought, and in general to the possibilities of fostering an aesthetic experience and an appreciation of beauty; all central elements in the relationship of the visitor to the work of art, which even for the more fragile categories lies in the fulfilment not of needs but of desires.
To complement its traditional Educational programmes, La Biennale di Venezia has developed a special project conceived for social groups that are less likely to attend cultural events and exhibitions – mental health, disabilities, homelessness, addiction, migrants as well as minors and in general situations of social hardship – and will entail the active involvement of educational and therapeutic communities. This special inclusivity project will organize activities that are completely free of charge with initiatives to encourage access to art developed and led by personnel trained by La Biennale di Venezia. Thanks to the Accessibility project, therapeutic centres and communities are invited to arrange, reserve and participate free of charge in educational activities aimed at encouraging an appreciation.
Upon request, the project also offers the possibility to organize a preliminary presentation meeting online, dedicated to the users and personnel of the centre itself.