Prompters to whisper art into the ears of those who cannot see it

Published on November 28, 2024 at 11:55. / Modified on November 28, 2024 at 11:58.

4 mins. reading

When you don’t see at all or very little, how can you visit an exhibition? How to understand what there is to see? How to look, experience, feel, without using the eyes? You can ask a friend, touch if permitted, get as close as possible, arm yourself with an audio guide, follow a visit punctuated with learned comments. But a shared look with someone who is there for that, to accompany you during the visit, guide you through the space and tell you according to your wishes what he or she sees, that’s something else again. And it can make a difference for the blind or visually impaired. The image that disappears can then take on meaning, move people, emerge from a breath, from a word whispered in the ear, from a drawing in the palm of the hand.

This is the credo of the French association Souffleurs de sens led by Emilie Bougouin, which aims to break down all barriers: “We are working on the question of the accessibility of culture. We identify the obstacles, the audiences, the specific needs rather than the handicaps. We want to associate a response to a need, and multiply these responses so that people can, at different times in their lives, remain connected to culture and artistic practice,” she explains. In this context, Souffleurs d’images, a section of the association placed under the responsibility of Victor Dobin, offers to support blind and visually impaired people in their discovery of museums, exhibitions, theater or dance shows.

Follow the news with us and support demanding and daring journalism

For the end-of-year holidays, take advantage of -25% on your annual subscription ????

Quality information just a click away. Offer valid until December 25, 2024.

I subscribe

Already have an account?
Log in