BlindArt is a British charity which was established in 2004 to educate the public about the needs of people who are
visually impaired
Visual impairment, also known as vision impairment, is a medical definition primarily measured based on an individual's better eye visual acuity; in the absence of treatment such as correctable eyewear, assistive devices, and medical treatment†...
and to promote the idea that lack of sight need not be a barrier to the creation and enjoyment of works of art. BlindArt exhibitions typically contain paintings, sculptures, installations and other works of art which have been designed to engage all the senses. BlindArt pieces are created both by sighted artists or by artists who are blind or partially sighted.
BlindArt was founded in 2004 by the
Iranian born artist Sheri Khayami, who has been visually impaired since childhood. The charity gained national attention in the
United Kingdom following its 2005 ''Sense and Sensuality'' exhibition at the
Royal College of Art in
London. The exhibition was made up of pieces created by the finalists of the UK's first annual competition to create pieces of artwork that can be appreciated by visually impaired people. Annual competitions have been held since, with pieces of artwork from the exhibition for sale and proceeds used to create a National BlindArt Collection.
Unlike conventional art exhibitions, visitors to BlindArt exhibitions are encouraged to touch and interact with the exhibits, with latex and cotton gloves provided for this purpose.
[ The experience is enhanced through the use of audio-description and braille signage. Plinths are also specially designed to allow wheelchair access.
In September 2009, the National BlindArt Collection was given a permanent home at the ]Royal National College for the Blind
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is a co-educational specialist residential college of further education based in the English city of Hereford. Students who attend the college are aged 16 to 25 and blind or partially sighted. ...
in Hereford
Hereford () is a cathedral city, civil parish and the county town of Herefordshire, England. It lies on the River Wye, approximately east of the border with Wales, south-west of Worcester and north-west of Gloucester. With a population ...
,
See also
*Blind artists
Blind artists are people who are physically unable to see normally, yet work in the visual arts. This seeming contradiction is overcome when one understands that only around 10% of all people with blindness can see absolutely nothing at all. As s ...
References
External links
BlindArt website
BlindArt at RNC
- Royal National College for the Blind website
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blindart
Blindness organisations in the United Kingdom
Health charities in the United Kingdom
Health and disability rights organisations in the United Kingdom
Arts organizations established in 2004
Charities based in London
Royal National College for the Blind