Art-Sense

Art-Sense is a registered charity, established in 1996, campaigning to promote art and sculpture that can be appreciated and created through senses other than sight.
Although based in the West Midlands, it operates throughout the United Kingdom and will do so abroad as opportunities present themselves. The inspiration for Art-Sense was a series of sculptures in wood by the South African sculptor Willem Boshoff. Collectively, they are called Blind Alphabet C, a collection of 77 tactile sculptures that:
* Promote the sense of touch and the tactile skills of people with impaired vision * Challenge sighted people's perceptions of those with a sight loss, and other disabilities * Evoke empathy for those with disabilities who face discrimination * Address issues of physical access in art galleries and museums, practically and aesthetically.
Illustrate the extra time spent/energy expended/patience required so that people with impaired vision may carry out the same tasks as those with full sight * The purpose of Art-Sense is to work for the achievement of maximum opportunities for creation and appreciation of art using other senses as well as that of sight. "Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancements and its benefits." (Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 27) People with impaired vision need support in dealing with the trauma of sight loss. They deserve appropriate opportunities to create or appreciate art. There is a growing trend towards making art which involves a response via senses other than sight i.e. multisensory art. National policy requires that art galleries widen their client bases and enhance access for all including those with disabilities. Although there is an estimated two million people with impaired vision in the United Kingdom, their access to the appreciation and creation of art and sculpture is severely limited. People with impaired vision may need much support in dealing with the effects of sight loss. Those who have lost some or all of their sight face the prospect of attendant consequences including lower income levels, restricted activity, reduced mobility, lack of stimulation, low self esteem and confidence, poor morale and depression. Creative and recreational opportunities can do much to alleviate these effects. Art-Sense has promoted a number of Workshops which have enabled people with impaired vision to begin to make multisensory art and sculpture, and plans to offer similar opportunities in the future.