Project design: accessible culture according to Fedora
Initiatives, events and gatherings for a shared cultural experience
We firmly believe that providing support and training programmes to develop skills and awareness is important, as is actively contributing to the creation of diverse and participatory content and settings. This is why Fedora offers training and support, and designs projects. We carry out this work either independently or in collaboration with other organisations that share our values and are dedicated to ensuring everyone has the right to cultural accessibility.
The form and format of our projects depends on the specific opportunity and objective that we are aiming to achieve. These projects may include training and capacity-building activities, as well as awareness-raising events and recreational activities for children. They may also entail the development of tools (such as TECLA), which are designed to evaluate accessibility in cultural venues. These initiatives would not be possible without the support of our backers and our participation in funding calls.
The projects undertaken by Fedora originate from various sources: some are the result of analysing a specific area or demographic group, while others are part of collaborative projects. They may also be either local or national in scope and involve either physical or digital activities and devices. Some projects have a fixed duration, while others are available indefinitely.
The audience can also vary. Our organisation has developed a variety of projects for bodies and associations operating within the cultural sector, as well as for those dealing with disability and cultural accessibility. We have also organised sensory exploration days for young girls and boys in the local area.
There are many potential – and necessary – activities that could be implemented to ensure equal access to culture for people with disabilities. As we often say, there is always more that can be done to engage an even wider audience, and this is what we aim to achieve through our projects.
Design and co-design for cultural accessibility
Bringing a cultural accessibility project to life requires considerable effort, from initial conception and cost estimation to activity planning and implementation. Depending on the project’s scale, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Collaboration with other organisations is often involved, and in such cases we talk about co-design. If the idea originates from Fedora, we seek out the most suitable partners to develop the project and secure the necessary funding to ensure its success.
At other times, external organisations (such as bodies, foundations and institutions) approach us with a cultural accessibility project because they are looking for a reliable partner to help make it happen. As well as providing our expertise, in these cases we offer practical support, including assistance with sourcing resources, applying for funding calls and forming additional strategic partnerships.
New requirements or project proposals may also arise during our training and support programmes. We make every effort to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to establish collaborations and develop accessible cultural products and tools that could benefit various organisations.
Our target audience
We design, develop and coordinate the creation of accessible content, activities and tools, either independently or in collaboration with other cultural organisations. Our association collaborates with third-sector organisations, schools, professionals, and people with disabilities.
Our projects are aimed at institutions and bodies operating within this sector, as well as end users.
Here are a few real-life examples to give you a better idea of how we work:
Would you like to find out more?
If any of the things we have mentioned interest you, or if you would like to find out more about our work or potential collaboration opportunities, please feel free to get in touch. Fill in the form with your details and provide a brief description of what you would like to know. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am currently seeking a partner to help develop a cultural accessibility project. May I get in touch with you?
Yes, of course! You can email Valeria at progetti@associazionefedora.com: please tell us a little about yourself, your work and the project you would like to develop, so that we can then discuss whether and how we might be able to work together.
2. I have found a project that I like. Can I replicate it for my own organisation?
We develop our projects in response to calls for proposals or as part of specific collaborations. However, they can sometimes be replicated. Please get in touch to tell us more about the project you are interested in, and how you would like to work together: you can email Valeria at progetti@associazionefedora.com.
3. Do you fund projects promoting cultural accessibility that are run by other organisations?
No, Fedora does not fund other organisations directly. However, we can collaborate on joint projects and seek resources and funding to support activities.
4. How does project design differ from project support?
We use project design as a testing ground, drawing on our skills and experience to carry out initiatives and activities that we have conceived and developed ourselves, either independently or in collaboration with other organisations (co-design).
Our support programme involves providing assistance and operational consultancy services to other organisations, offering our expertise to help them improve their cultural accessibility. In some cases, this support can lead to new projects being created, as was the case with TECLA.
5. I am a big fan of your work. How can I support your projects?
There are three ways you can support Fedora’s work: you can become a member, make a charitable donation, or sponsor one of our activities. To find out about all the available options, go to the dedicated page: Support Fedora.
