Art Museum Access Programs: Virtual Transition in Response to COVID-19

Authors:

• Holly Thompson, Museology Graduate Program
• Chair: Meena Selvakumar
• Kurt Johnson, PhD
• Brian Kavanaugh

Abstract:

Access programs at art museums for neurodivergent adults, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as older adults with memory loss, were greatly impacted by closures during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In response, institutions transitioned programming to a virtual platform, many for the first time. While museums are becoming increasingly accessible for visitors and participants with disabilities, the progression has been incremental but hesitant. Research from informal education, art therapy, disability studies, and digital accessibility support the potential benefits of art-based programming for participants with disabilities, with major opportunity for expanded access with the use of technology. Data was collected from five art museums with access programs regarding institutional practices; virtual program adaptations; impacts on staff and participants; common successes and barriers; and significance for future practice. Results show variations across art museums, but with many common experiences and practices. Findings show that access programs effectively transitioned to a virtual platform due to the preparation, training, flexibility, and feedback of program staff and participants. Program staff and facilitators predict virtual programming for the foreseeable future with suggestions of a hybrid format, separate programs for onsite and digital environments, amongst others. This case study may be significant to practitioners within the museum, cultural nonprofit, education, and disability fields to better understand current practices in digital access programs during and beyond the Coronavirus pandemic.