Managing accessibility for the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition, which addresses the issue of growing inequalities in cities and the contemporary world.
Where we started
Every three years since 1923, Triennale Milano has hosted an International Exhibition, bringing together designers, architects and artists from around the world to discuss key contemporary issues. The 24th edition, titled ‘Inequalities’, explored the theme of inequality through 10 exhibitions and 8 special projects, featuring the work of 20 international participants, including installations and events showcasing global visions, pressing issues and perspectives.
The collaboration with Fedora has enabled the Triennale Milano International Exhibition to become, for the first time, a real laboratory for experimentation with an open and pluralistic approach.
What we did
The accessibility programme for the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition, launched with Fedora, included:
- three days of training for Triennale Milano cultural mediation staff;
- making two institutional events accessible (a forum on the themes and proposals of the 24th International Exhibition and a press conference) through the provision of interpreting services in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and International Sign (IS), as well as live subtitling in Italian and English, available both on-site and remotely;
- creating content in different languages and sign languages to accompany visitors as they explore the International Exhibition and learn more about the themes of each exhibition, including: videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and International Sign (IS) with Italian and English subtitles and voiceover, tactile maps to guide visitors in exploring the exhibition displays and the Palazzo dell’Arte with audio descriptions of selected works and spaces, easy-to-read, Braille and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) texts, and the social guide of Palazzo dell’Arte, all available in Italian and English;
- creating sensory kits designed for neurodivergent young girls and boys, as well as adults;
- co-designing accessible inserts for the Junior Album, a publication for children and their families;
- organising two accessible guided tours of some of the exhibitions at the 24th International Exhibition, for adults and young girls and boys.
Result: the first truly accessible Triennale Milano International Exhibition
The initiative launched with Triennale Milano has enabled the 24th International Exhibition to open its doors to a wider and more diverse audience, creating more opportunities to attract people with different characteristics and needs, thus enhancing the impact of this significant event on the local community.
Fedora is collaborating once again with Triennale Milano with a view to making the new Museo del Design accessible, thereby demonstrating the importance of working together towards the shared goal of opening up the artistic and curatorial offerings of the Triennale to a wider audience.
