Dear friends,
Today we are thrilled to launch the 10th issue of https://network.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=77511f057d9229e42e71b6b0e&id=28051e709f&e=de2d63c4ac Click to follow link.">VoCA Journal, which focuses on access and the arts. Lead by guest editor, writer and critic Emily Watlington, this issue features contributions from a diverse range of arts workers and aims to provide tools, tips, and conceptual frameworks that can guide us all to bring access to the work we do. "Access is best thought of as a shared responsibility," Watlington writes in her Editor's note. "That's why we are bringing together voices from many corners of the art world to discuss access and the arts for this issue of VoCA Journal."
Two artists in this issue recount personal experiences being unable to access art: Panteha Abareshi recalls a number of inaccessible artworks that they encountered in museums around Los Angeles, and details how these experiences catalyzed their own artistic practice, while Joseph Grigely presents numerous apologies from event organizers who failed to provide the closed captions he relies on at online programs. Educator Elizabeth Guffey reflects on her experience teaching a course called the Inclusive Museum at SUNY Purchase, which serves as a crash course and a pedagogical example for both students and readers alike. In a roundtable, conservators Joelle Wickens, Sally Gunhee Kim, and Sarah Scaturro ask how to make their field more equitable, and discuss the unique contributions that disability brings to conserving artworks. Program Coordinator Natalie Sandstrom considers the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on her work at ICA Philadelphia, encouraging museums to go beyond the ADA's building code requirements by making programs inclusive, too. And Emily Watlington interviews Victor Cole about his experience as an audio describer, describing artworks, plays, and movies to blind and low vision people for a living.
As Watlington rightly states, "we all have a role to play in making the future accessible." Today, it is our pleasure and honor to share with you the voices of the people leading the way.
All best,
Lauren
Lauren Shadford
Executive Director, VoCA