Art and Inclusion at BAM

BAM announces
Art and Inclusion at the Boise Art Museum

November 19, 2021

Boise Art Museum is committed to accessibility and inclusion. We believe that exhibitions, designed with the needs of a range of people of varying abilities, enrich the experiences of all visitors. New learning and engagement affordances to welcome people with low or no vision, no or low hearing, and other differences of ability are being piloted within the exhibition, Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea, which opened on July 31, 2021 and is on display through February 13, 2022, at BAM.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will see icons indicating new ways to learn about and engage with the artwork – such as Tactile Representation Models (touchable, three-dimensional reproductions of select artworks); Large-Print Labels; and an Audio Guide with Label Text, Visual Descriptions, and Artist Comments that are read aloud. BAM’s website includes audio and text transcripts that are accessible to those using assistive technologies such as a screen reader and zoom.

Over the past year, BAM has been collaborating with inclusive design experts Corey Timpson and Sina Bahram. Through staff training, protocol development, and adopting an inclusive design methodology, the Museum is facilitating access for the widest possible audience. In partnership with community members, especially those identifying as having disabilities, BAM has created an Inclusive Design Advisory Group (IDAG). This group will meet regularly to explore and discuss further opportunities for enhancing access at BAM. “Working with BAM has been incredibly rewarding. The commitment and dedication to inclusivity has been truly outstanding, and we can’t wait for what is yet to come,” said Sina Bahram and Corey Timpson.

It is the Museum’s goal to welcome the widest possible audience. Welcoming everyone to the Boise Art Museum as a place to come together and learn requires a continuous focus on inclusivity as integral to everything we do. We are grateful to the funders who are helping us to meet this goal.