Newcastle Art Gallery in Australia has unveiled two groundbreaking accessibility commissions: a digital guide named Nancy and architectural-scale sculptures by artist Fayen d'Evie. The digital guide offers a 24-stop tour with audio, Auslan-interpreted video, and written descriptions, developed through a 'by community, for community' model involving d/Deaf consultants, Auslan interpreters, and First Nations consultants. The sculptural solution addresses the gallery's original floating staircases, providing safe navigation for visitors who are blind or have low vision. A panel talk and Auslan-interpreted tour on Saturday will highlight these initiatives.
These commissions matter because they embed access and inclusion at the core of the gallery's reimagined space, setting a precedent for how cultural institutions can collaborate with communities with lived experience. By integrating artistic and access-led solutions, the gallery not only meets modern building code standards but also enriches the visitor experience for all, demonstrating that accessibility can be a creative driver rather than an afterthought. The initiatives have already engaged over 8,000 visitors, signaling a shift toward more inclusive museum practices globally.