Touch Tours adds new dimension to art appreciation

National Museum Jamaica continues to educate the blind and visually impaired through tactile learning in art exhibits.

On April 14, Touch Tours heightened the tactile experience of students from the Jamaica Society for the Blind, which gave them an opportunity to interact with objects of pewter metal, Benin bronze sculptures, and Spanish coins from the Port Royal 17th century and African collections, as well as the post-Emancipation and Spanish collection.

The participants were intrigued and excited. The different textures, shapes, and weight stimulated their imagination and allowed them to share interesting stories about the objects.

Just like other museums around the world, the main rule is not to touch, but now, National Museum Jamaica has turned that rule on its head. The museum’s flagship programme, Touch Tours, established in 2016 specifically for the visually impaired as well as those who are not, has impacted over 2,000 participants, target audiences including students from both primary and high schools as well as students from the Salvation Army School for the Blind.

INCLUDE EVERYONE

According to Touch Tours curator Stephanie Rose, “We consider our institution as forward thinking. Ither museums are doing it all over the world, so why not? We want to include everyone and provide this sense of inclusion into our museum. We want our organisation to be recognised and for people to know that we are breaking ground rules to challenge the stereotypes and there is nothing wrong with that.”

These tours are done in small numbers -no more than 10 persons per tour. They are done in a controlled environment with a tour guide. Tours are given with much thought to elicit thought and dialogue with those taking part.

“We encourage everyone to be a part of this programme,” said Rose. “Imagine interacting with real objects that give life to our heritage with your bare hands. It is amazing!”

Persons who are interested or need more information may call 876-922-0620 ext 253 to reserve a Touch Tour, which is free of cost.