The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is partnering with The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, to host a panel discussion on accessibility issues in cultural spaces.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building
In 2022, The Rijksmuseum published Rijksmuseum Accessibility Without Limits, a book that reveals the organization’s path to creating a more accessible museum. The museum’s website details its various offerings including a floorplan detailing the locations of elevators, seating areas, and accessible toilets; quiet spaces for visitors with sensory sensitivities; free admission for a companion for visitors who cannot move through the museum independently; and more.
In a press release, Larry Stokes, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Office at the MFAH, said, “We hope our colleagues in accessibility from across the city of Houston will join us for this engaging and insightful discussion… We are delighted to learn from The Rijksmuseum, a recognized leader in accessibility, to further our mission of ensuring that the MFAH remains a vibrant, inclusive institution dedicated to excellence and recognized as a place for all people.”
The event features industry leaders and experts in accessibility in discussion about enhancing visitor experience, empowering staff, and creating a more welcoming environment. Speakers include Cathelijne Denekamp, the Manager of Accessibility/Inclusion and The Rijksmuseum; Jiska Ogier, a renowned lawyer and disability advocate; Amanda Cachia, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Arts Leadership at the University of Houston; Leeza Erfesoglou, Senior Manager of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at the MFAH; Matti Wallin, the Accessibility Programs Manager at the Houston Museum of Natural Science; and Jamie Paul Weiner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Manager of Disability Services at the Alexander Institute for Inclusion, Jewish Family Service.
The symposium will take place at the Favrot Auditorium in the Glassell School of Art located at 5101 Montrose Boulevard on Wednesday, January 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and RSVP for the event here.
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