Project and operational support for cultural accessibility
Comprehensive and practical advice on how to make venues and content more accessible
Ensuring that a show or event is accessible to everyone is not always as straightforward as it may seem. It is necessary to rethink conventional production and access models, evaluate new forms of expression and communication, and remove physical and non-physical barriers, among other things. However, the organising institutions and bodies often lack the time or expertise to carry out this task. This means that some members of the public often miss out on projects and initiatives, which limits their ability to get involved.
Through our operational support programmes, we assist festivals, theatres, museums and other organisations that create cultural products in enhancing their accessibility. We offer a combination of expert consultancy and practical assistance, integrating seamlessly with your existing team: together, we will plan the cultural offering and identify any physical, cognitive or sensory barriers that may exist, taking steps to overcome them. We will also promote the initiative using accessible methods and language.
Our support programme provides comprehensive, professional and hands-on assistance tailored to each organisation’s specific needs. We can either oversee every stage of the process, from conception to development, or focus on specific stages. We can take on projects that are either already underway or still in the development stage.
Our approach remains consistent, whether we are involved in one activity or several: we not only ensure compliance with regulations, but are also committed to fostering a rich, shared cultural experience. We encourage relevant organisations to review their production methods and support them in incorporating accessible languages, sign language and tools (such as Italian Sign Language translations, sensory platforms and tactile maps). We also assist them in developing broad and respectful promotional strategies.
We go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels truly welcome and can participate fully in every cultural setting.
How support for cultural accessibility works
We use the term ‘operational support’ because it encompasses more than just offering advice or providing services. Instead, we work together as equals, with the Fedora team of professionals overseeing one or more aspects of cultural accessibility, from inception to completion. In doing so, we work closely with the organisers of the initiative and all those involved in its implementation. This includes the project-lead organisation and its partners, as well as those responsible for the artistic direction, theatre companies, performers, museum curators and, ultimately, the public. If required, we can also manage reception or train the relevant organisation’s personnel on the most suitable methods to interact with people with disabilities.
The people working at Fedora have a wide range of educational backgrounds: some of them have experience in the live entertainment and cultural sector, which means they understand how things work in these areas, what makes them unique, and their potential. In addition, our team includes specialists in pedagogy and music therapy, as well as translators who specialise in live and audiovisual content. Thanks to our extensive, integrated knowledge and complementary areas of expertise, we are able to develop a thorough understanding of each project. Over the years, we have built on this experience by gaining expertise in cultural accessibility, designing accessible cultural content and encouraging active audience engagement. We currently operate in a variety of cultural settings, both large and small, raising awareness of accessibility issues in an informed and professional manner.
Our target audience
Our support programmes are designed for institutions and organisations operating in the cultural sector at various levels and with different objectives. Our work has the potential to improve the accessibility of live performances and festivals, as well as exhibitions and cultural venues in general. We collaborate with public and private institutions and foundations that organise events and curate exhibitions, as well as those that manage projects and initiatives open to the public.
As a scientific partner, we can collaborate on advocacy projects focusing on cultural accessibility: we bring our expertise to projects intended to generate significant interest and have social, collective and political impact. An example of this is the project developed as part of our support programme for BASE Milano.
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. Which specific tasks are you able to take on?
We can assist with a wide range of tasks related to the organisation and development of cultural products. For example, we can seek out or select accessible cultural offerings that align with the artistic direction of a project. We can also share best practices and operational methodologies with all parties involved, oversee the implementation of activities and cultural accessibility tools (project management), coordinate the professionals involved, produce accessible communication materials, welcome and accommodate members of the public with disabilities, and ensure that the accessibility budget is clearly defined and managed throughout the project.
2. How much does a support programme for cultural accessibility cost?
There is no fixed cost for the support programme. The cost depends on a number of factors, including the scope and duration of the work, as well as the activities involved. Should you wish to receive a custom quote, please provide us with further details about your project or organisation.
3. How long does the support programme last?
As our consulting service is tailored to each organisation’s specific needs and objectives, the length of the programme varies. Support programmes can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the circumstances and requirements.
4. How does support differ from training?
Our support programme takes a hands-on approach, whereby we actively contribute to the development of materials, tools and activities that enable the relevant body to improve their cultural accessibility. The training, on the other hand, is delivered in a classroom setting (either virtual or physical) and is structured into a series of sessions designed to raise awareness and develop theoretical knowledge of cultural accessibility.
Although both programmes promote the dissemination of best practices, they are based on different approaches and have different goals.
5. What is the difference between support and project design?
During the support phase, we assist organisations and institutions in making their content or cultural offerings (events, festivals, museums, etc.), accessible. However, when we use the term ‘project design’, we are referring to cultural products conceived by Fedora, which are then designed and developed either independently or in collaboration with other organisations.
