Kone Foundation: Accessibility in residence activities
The Kone Foundation has published a lengthy article in which they ponder the accessibility and inclusivity of residencies.
In artist residencies, the majority of artists working have traditionally represented Western culture and the mainstream population. However, attention is now being directed towards accessibility issues within the residency field. There is a desire to offer residency opportunities to artists from different backgrounds, such as individuals with disabilities, those with families, and artists from the global South.
The fact remains that it's impossible to make all residencies suitable for everyone. "However, this negation can be reversed by carefully considering and skilfully expressing who the residency is suitable for and in what ways it is or is not accessible", the text states.
The article also highlights the aspect of safety in residencies, which is part of accessibility.
When aiming to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of residencies, fundamental questions arise: How can different needs and challenges be taken into account within the residency to provide artists with the opportunity to work in a safe and equal environment? What is possible within the framework of our own residency operation and environment, and what is not? What can we offer to artists as a residency, and what can't we?
Dealing with these questions doesn't need to, nor should it, be tackled alone. We at the Culture for All Service are more than happy to assist in solutions related to accessibility and inclusivity.
Although the text focuses on residencies, its principles can be applied to other spaces within the arts and cultural sphere. Read the entire article here: Accessibility in residence activities - Kone Foundation (you'll move to the Kone Foundation website)
