The Javett-UP Art Centre at the University of Pretoria is breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in the arts. Their latest exhibition, “We, The Purple,” offered a unique opportunity for ten visually impaired visitors to experience art and history through touch.
Pretoria, South Africa (20 November 2024) – What a precious blessing it is to get to open our eyes and see our loved ones, the magnificently crafted beauty of nature and our prized possessions.
Or how about getting to take in the bold colours, hypnotising swirls, striking contrasts and abstract lines of a beautiful artwork? A privilege often denied to the visually impaired.
In a world where sight often takes the lead in shaping our art experiences, the Javett-UP Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (UP) is breaking new ground with its commitment to promoting inclusivity.
The centre’s latest exhibition, We, The Purple welcomed ten visually impaired visitors to experience art and history through touch.
According to UP, this initiative was made possible through the remarkable educational programme Touching History: Exploring Apartheid through Sculpture. This programme, organised in partnership with Blind SA, provided participants with a tactile exploration of apartheid-era South Africa using select sculptures from the Bongi Dhlomo Collection.
These artworks offered a unique, non-visual way to engage with the socio-political history of South Africa from the 1950s to the 1980s. Participants rotated among the sculptures every ten minutes, guided by Javett-UP staff and Blind SA mobility practitioners.
This sensory-rich experience fostered deep connections with themes of apartheid, social justice, and linguistic diversity – subjects that lie at the heart and soul of our country’s dynamic history.
Blind SA praised the initiative, highlighting its impact and inspiration.
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“It is initiatives like these that help break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the arts. The centre’s dedication to accessibility and inclusion shone through in every detail.
“The thoughtful programming and interactive elements allowed for meaningful connections with the artworks, fostering a sense of community, learning, exploring and understanding. Everybody had a great time and walked out refreshed with knowledge of South Africa’s art,” said Blind SA CEO Jace Nair.
Sources: University of Pretoria
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