An inclusive exhibition organised by Maqaam Foundation at Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery presented 50 works by 35 artists while making accessibility part of the exhibition design.
Curated by Delhi-based artist Niyaz Hussain, the show brought together emerging and senior artists ranging in age from seven to over 60, including artists with disabilities.
Art that could be encountered in more than one way
Each artwork was accompanied by an audio description for visually impaired visitors, while selected paintings incorporated tactile elements.
The accessibility features were developed with Hyderabad-based assistive-technology company Spacefelt.
Rather than treating access as a separate service added after installation, the exhibition incorporated it directly into the way visitors encountered the works.
Creating routes for emerging artists
Hussain founded Maqaam Foundation from his own experience of pursuing art while living with a locomotor disability and growing up with limited opportunities to develop his skills.
The organisation focuses on giving emerging artists, including young people from disadvantaged communities, platforms to make and show work.
Hussain’s own difficulties working for long periods or at large scale informed his understanding of the practical barriers artists with disabilities can face.
The Hyderabad exhibition therefore connected two forms of inclusion: widening who gets opportunities to exhibit and widening how audiences can experience the art once it is shown.