Open Forum

Hi Andy,

At Brandywine River Museum of Art, we continued our sensory-friendly programming by first providing take-home kits and then by easing back into our before/after hours programming. The kits had some postcard reproductions along with some conversation starters/questions similar to what we would use in the gallery, as well as some simple items to explore (for example, a laminated pressed flower for observing details, or a pack of WikkiStix for making a line drawing on a piece of cardstock). When we hosted an event this winter we eliminated the sensory break area, but communicated that clearly beforehand, along with our commitment to requiring masks. We also provided inexpensive fidgets that visitors could keep rather than re-using them. The feedback we received was similar to what some others shared; most were appreciative that we offered the program and understood the changes.

We just met with our advisory committee about planning for this year, and we may bring back the sensory break area but not provide the contents we typically would (tent, weighted blankets, etc), and instead communicate that families are welcome to bring their own sensory regulation items. We will continue to use tactile items at our gallery stations, but will only include objects that are easy to wipe down between visitors.

From our audience it seems like the key is providing whatever resources we can, and then communicating about them very well so visitors know what to expect.

Good luck!