Where Publics May Touch

Abstract

In response to the unique sensory modes of blind and partially sighted communities, tactile and multisensory tours and exhibition components of museum collections are gradually becoming more common in North America and Europe. Such initiatives are often intended to give equal forms of access for diverse participating publics. This article provides an auto-ethnographic report on the tactile tours offered by The National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa) program “Stimulating the Senses,” and gives context for sensorial models at play in Western museums today. Museum strategies that encourage intersensorial awareness and access are also discussed. Attention is given to the performative properties of these tours, and the variety of encounter they encourage between publics. This article also includes accounts of the program by its supervisor and coordinator, as well as from a participant. Key questions this article explores are: do such tours in fact give equal access; what motivates the development of such programs in Canadian institutions; and what outcomes are realized through these programs?

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