This city is making sure blind people have a way to appreciate street art. The Santiago street in Chile has always been popular because of its creative, unique, and extra-ordinary works of art painted around the street.
However, this time, the Santiago street is making noise, not only because of its beautiful murals but also because they are taking the first step in working-out an ‘inclusive’ art.
The beautiful and jaw-dropping murals around the Santiago street can only be appreciated by those who have eyes to see. But now, even those who are blind will finally know how distinct Santiago street is among the other streets of the world.
Thanks to the city government’s initiative to make the remarkable arts of the streets of Santiago accessible to blind people, those who have sight disability can now ‘see’ the murals decorating the busy streets of Santiago.
Recently, the city has installed tactile plaques which will allow people who are blind to ‘see’ the breath-taking murals of Santiago. This installed tactile contains braille descriptions of the street art.
Not only that, a downloadable smart application which corresponds with specific plaques surrounding Santiago has audio descriptions related to various artworks that can be seen on Santiago street.
The city government hopes that their attempt to have an inclusive art will be enjoyed by the 2.8 million of Chile residents who are suffering from visual impairment. According to officials, about 16.7% of the Chilean population are expected to benefit from this recent thoughtful cause.
Although it is not the first time that braille and tactile touch panels are employed in a museum, still the Santiago Street is the first in the world to use such outside a museum.
A revolutionary step in the world of street art that is surely appreciated by our blind brothers and sisters.
“The initiative was born from the union of three restless women who met in the Diploma of Cultural Management of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile,” Paula Cancino, president of the Association for Inclusive Culture, shared how their thoughtful project came into action.
“This project was conceived under the premise of breaking [down] the barriers that impede access to arts and cultures.”
“It gives us great satisfaction, to be able to see the art made in the streets.” A woman with impaired vision shared after roaming around the streets of Santiago and utilizing its newly installed braille and tactile.
“It allows you to level opportunity.” Javiera Perez, a staff of National Disability Service shared her opinion about the revolutionary project.
For her, it gives two blind people an opportunity to discuss their idea about a street masterpiece even without the help of others.
Hopefully, other museums and street murals will be able to follow the pathway which was paved by the city government of Chile. Now, being able to discuss ideas about a work of art even with a person who has vision impairment, is no longer a dream but a reality.
Thanks to the incredible project of the city government of Chile, street art is no longer exclusive for those who can see.
Watch the video below to learn more about the life-changing project of the city government of the Santiago Street in Chile.
Now, known not only for their breath-taking work of art, but also for their ‘inclusive’ art that transcends across any disabilities!
Photos and Video | Showcase