Genoa's Freed from Barriers project sets model for museum accessibility
The Freed from Barriers initiative in Genoa has wrapped up its trial phase, with the goal of enhancing accessibility in Civic Museums. This project, supported by the municipality, Defence for Children International Italia, and eleven Rotary Clubs, focuses on eliminating obstacles. Beginning at the Musei di Strada Nuova, it created resources for inclusive engagement, such as a simplified AAC guide for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and nine podcasts narrated by various voices. Additionally, it includes a theatrical show and workshops for emerging artists. Culture councillor Giacomo Montanari emphasized the project's commitment to inclusivity. Concurrently, the "Accessibilità. Luoghi. Libertà" conference at Museo Galileo brings together prominent Italian museums to address accessibility, with Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli aiming to eradicate 80% of architectural barriers.
Key facts
- Freed from Barriers project in Genoa concluded experimental phase with positive results.
- Project promoted by Comune di Genova, Defence for Children International Italia, and eleven Rotary Clubs.
- Targets full accessibility of Genoa's Civic Museums, removing physical, cognitive, and cultural barriers.
- Started at Musei di Strada Nuova with tools for autonomous and inclusive participation.
- Created a simplified guide in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Developed a path inspired by Édouard Glissant involving nine people from diverse backgrounds, resulting in nine podcasts.
- Includes a theatrical performance and workshops for young artists of different nationalities.
- Culture councillor Giacomo Montanari appointed in June under mayor Silvia Salis.
- Florence conference 'Accessibilità. Luoghi. Libertà' at Museo Galileo gathers major Italian museums.
- Minister Alessandro Giuli at MAXXI stated goal to remove 80% of architectural barriers and 50% of sensory-perceptual obstacles.
Entities
Artists
- Édouard Glissant
Institutions
- Comune di Genova
- Defence for Children International Italia
- Rotary Club
- Musei Civici di Genova
- Musei di Strada Nuova
- MAXXI
- Museo Galileo
- Museo Egizio di Torino
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Mart di Trento e Rovereto
- Muse
- Museo Ferragamo
- Centro Pecci
- Musei Vaticani
- Unione italiana ciechi e ipovedenti
- Forma
- Museo Omero
- Museo di Palazzo Pretorio di Prato
- Artribune
Locations
- Genova
- Italy
- Firenze
- Florence
- Torino
- Turin
- Venezia
- Venice
- Trento
- Rovereto
- Prato
- Vatican City