Strategies to Overcome Physical Barriers to Participation in the Arts
Strategies to Overcome Physical Barriers to Participation in the Arts
Strategies to Overcome Barriers to Participation in the Arts
How can we make art more accessible? Below are some helpful DIY ideas on how to make your next art program more accessible for people who face physical barriers to participation.
1. Modify Art Tools
Altering your drawing and painting tools is one of many simple changes recreation staff can make to provide a more inclusive and accessibly friendly art space. Utilize these three tips to provide better grip strength on your art tools to support the utilization of fine motor skills:
- Create a personalized pencil grip using polymer clay.
- Wrap multiple elastic bands around the art tool for grip support.
- Increase the surface area participants can grasp by using tape to wrap around the drawing/painting tool.
Tip
Use short cups or jars for water when painting to ensure participants can easily clean their brushes in-between colours without fear of knocking over the cup!
2. Create an Optimal Work Surface
- Use an easel, or prop up the canvas against a sturdy object to elevate it to eye level, promoting better posture and comfort.
- If using paper, tape it to a board for surface mobility, this works well for participants in wheelchairs with a built-in tray!
- If using water colour paper on a flat surface, tape the paper down using painters tape to prevent it from moving around. This will also create a clean border along your final piece.
3. Environmental Modifications
Design a creative space that supports and empowers participants with visual impairments. Here are four things to keep in mind:
- Ensure your workspace is well-lit; consider using LED or natural daylight bulbs to provide optimal lighting.
- Utilize a dark tablecloth on work surfaces when working with a white canvas or paper to enhance object differentiation.
- Provide magnifying glasses, magnifying lamps or handheld magnifiers to assist with finer, detailed work.
- Create an environment that is free from distractions and clutter; try reducing outside noise levels to avoid disturbing participants.
Tip
Add music to create a calm and inspiring atmosphere in your creative space. Follow us on Spotify to find dozens of curated playlists, perfect for any mood or season!
Chuck Close, American Artist
© Oswaldo Sandoval
Chuck Close
Chuck Close, a prominent American artist, is well-known for his innovative approach to portraiture. Overcoming a spinal artery collapse in 1988 that left him partially paralyzed, Close channeled his adversity into his art. Embracing his physical limitations, he developed ingenious techniques to create intricate, large-scale portraits, utilizing a brush-holding device attached to his wrist and forearm to allow him to continue painting. His distinctive “grid” method involves breaking down images into smaller segments, which he meticulously recreates using a variety of media. Close’s artistic process not only showcases his exceptional technical skill but also serves as an emblem of resilience. By transforming his impairment into a catalyst for creativity, he redefines the boundaries of traditional portraiture, producing captivating artworks that invite viewers to reconsider notions of identity and human connection.
