A training programme for BASE Milano staff, two online events for a network of cultural organisations throughout Italy, and participation in a multi-stakeholder round table discussion to explore the role of accessibility in cultural centres.
Where we started
In 2023, BASE Milano decided to launch a programme dedicated to accessibility. As part of this project, Fedora was in charge of delivering training on cultural accessibility to both the internal staff of BASE Milano and a network of cultural organisations operating across Italy.
The programme began with a collective reflection on the barriers that could potentially hinder public participation, and on the need for cultural organisations to be equipped with the necessary tools and skills to tackle accessibility issues.
What we did
The programme comprised three levels: in-house training for BASE Milano staff, online training for the cultural organisations involved in the project, and participation in a multi-stakeholder round table discussion sponsored by BASE.
The in-house training programme consisted of two days of training for BASE Milano staff, comprising a combination of theoretical sessions and practical exercises:
- the first day covered cultural accessibility, European and national policies, various models and definitions of disability, language and communication strategies, and stakeholder management;
- the second day focused on the barriers that can hinder access to different audiences, as well as the strategies and tools that can be used to overcome these barriers.
Fedora also held two online training sessions aimed at various cultural organisations from across Italy.
The following topics were discussed:
- the meaning of cultural accessibility, the barriers to be overcome, and the strategies and tools to encourage participation;
- examples of best practices at national and international levels.
In parallel, BASE Milano hosted a multi-stakeholder round table discussion, bringing together individuals and organisations involved in accessibility in various capacities, who also belong to under-represented communities within the cultural sector, to discuss the role of cultural centres. Fedora took part in the round table discussion alongside: Marina Cuollo, Chiara Bersani and Elia Covolan – Al.Di.Qua. Artists, Fabio Fornasari – Unione Ciechi di Bologna, Adama Sanneh – Moleskine Foundation, Gabe Silvan Nero – Fondazione Diversity, Francesco Ferreri – Espressy, Gaja Ikeagwana – Milano Mediterranea, Fabio di Girolamo and Licia Ciocca – Fondazione BPM, Councillor Francesca Gisotti – Municipio 6, Councillor Gaia Romani – Councillor for Civic and General Services and Participation – City of Milan. Zoe Romano coordinated the activities.
Result: Un’I.D.E.A. di centro culturale
The programme previously mentioned, which involved Fedora and included training sessions led by other organisations and individuals actively engaged in accessibility, has enabled BASE Milano to develop a greater awareness of accessibility and acquire the necessary tools, benefiting both its internal staff and the cultural organisations involved.
Such awareness led to the creation of ‘Un’I.D.E.A di centro culturale’ (An IDEA of a cultural centre) based on the work of the round table discussion in which Fedora participated, an open manifesto that sets out the path towards truly accessible cultural spaces.
The manifesto, which was presented at a public event on 29 November 2023, is intended for cultural centres in Italy and Europe, as well as the people who work in them. It is an open document, designed to be supplemented with the contributions and experiences of those who adopt it as a working tool in order to help them define their strategic guidelines.
