On Friday 13 November 2009, three people with low vision participated in the first guided touch tour presented at Sculpture by the Sea. The tour was a huge success engaging three volunteers with extensive experience in the visual arts and touch tours to lead the tour.News
Tours and Information improve access to Sculpture by the Sea 2009
The 2009 Sculpture by the Sea exhibition marks the beginning of a new partnership to support the delivery of access initiatives at one of Australia’s best known free annual outdoor sculptural exhibitions. This year the program will offer guided touch tours, self-guided touch tours and self guided mobility tours.
Accessible Arts is working with Sculpture by the Sea to provide access advice and support, update access information, provide a disability awareness briefing to volunteers and staff and develop access initiatives for future years.
Accessible Arts will also undertake a survey to evaluate access at the festival. Surveys will be available at the information tents at the exhibition or by email. Contact Anneke Barnes, Access to Festivals Coordinator email: abarnes@aarts.net.au for a copy of the survey.
Guided Touch Tours
Four Sculpture by the Sea guided touch tours are being presented by Carolyn Braithwaite, who has worked and volunteered for the past 10 years within the arts. All of the touch tours will be held at Marks Park, Tamarama.
Touch tours are designed for everyone, with selected works to be discussed and the opportunity to discover the sculpture through touch. This tour is ideal for people with low vision or people who are blind, with an interest in exploring sculpture with an experienced guide.
More information available on the What’s On page.
Self-guided touch tour
Self Guided Tours are also being presented, with a number of artworks accessible to touch and also comprehensive information about how to describe the sculptures to family or friends who have low vision or who are blind.
The sculptures featured in the self-guided touch tour run the full distance of the exhibition from Tamarama Beach to Bondi Beach.
Self Guided mobility tour
These guides are for use by people with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair and are specific to the accessible areas at Tamarama Beach Park and Marks Park. The guides detail the artwork in each area. The self-guided touch tours can be used in conjunction with the self guided mobility tour.
Access information and site map
The access information gives specific access details throughout the exhibition including drop off zones, parking, toilets and public transport. It is important to note that access to the exhibition can be congested on the weekends, as this is when the bulk of visitors attend. Sculpture by the Sea organisers have expressed that staff will be able to assist people with limited mobility along sections of the walk dependant on the number of visitors attending at the time. The best time to visit is during the weekdays.
It is essential to call ahead to the site office if using the drop off and pick up areas as access gates are locked during the exhibition period. For full information go to the Sculpture by the Sea website.