A Picture in 1000 Words
Thank you to Audio Describer Judith Jones and Curator Lizzie Bisley for their fascinating and thought-provoking talk on the practice of audio description in art galleries.
We learned how audio description enables blind and low-vision visitors to experience and connect with art, making artworks tangible through carefully crafted language. Judith shared valuable insights into the skills required of an audio describer, including the importance of thinking from the audience's perspective and considering how best to communicate visual information.
Earlier this year Te Papa launched a new Toi Art Audio Descriptive Guide. The guide features 19 tracks describing artworks from the National Art Collection across Levels 4 and 5, offering a new storytelling experience for Toi Art visitors. While audio description is an essential accessibility tool for blind and low-vision visitors, the rich and detailed narration offers fresh perspectives for all visitors to enjoy.
Thank you, Judith and Lizzie, for helping us better understand the importance of accessibility in the arts and the power of words to open up new ways of experiencing art.
🎧 Te Papa now has audio descriptions available for 19 works from the National Art Collection. Follow the links below to access the recordings and experience these artworks in a new way.
Audio Descriptions were made for the 2021 – 2022 exhibition Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist, follow this link to find the recordings.