Image taken from a 2019 video artwork called "Not Better Yet" by Panteha Abareshi

Issue 10

In this issue of VoCA Journal, we bring together voices from many corners of the art world to discuss access and the arts. Access is best thought of as a shared responsibility; my hope is that this issue provides tools, precedents, and examples that can guide us all to bring access to the work we do.

Editor's Note

ABLEIST SPACE // [DISABLED BODY]

Panteha Abareshi

A photograph of portable ramps arranged in a museum

Beyond Compliance
Teaching Disability Subjectivity in Museum Studies

Elizabeth Guffey

A photograph of art conservator Sarah Scaturro

A Silent Roundtable Discussion
on Disability and Inclusion in Art Conservation

Joelle D. J. Wickens, Sally Gunhee Kim, and Sarah Scaturro

A photograph of audio describer Victor Cole

Audio Description, Described

Emily Watlington with Victor Cole

Inventory of Apologies

Joseph Grigely

Jackie from Hands UP Productions translating in American Sign Language for a tour

Museums and the ADA at 30
A Case Study in Accessibility at ICA Philadelphia

Natalie Sandstrom

Main image
Panteha Abareshi, NOT BETTER YET, 2019
VHS, super 8mm, performance, sound composition

Image description: A still image from a 2019 video artwork called "Not Better Yet" by Panteha Abareshi. The photo captures a contortive bodily performance done on a hospital bed recorded in super 8mm. The figure in the photo wears an outfit made of white bandages, and contorts their body so their head and arm are folded beneath their leg. Even without the accompanying audio -- a sound composition using recordings of the artist's doctors and nurses -- the pose is rife with vulnerability and frustration. The background of the image is light blue, and is overlaid with white dots resembling the Braille alphabet.