Art, encounters and accessibility: The art and culture program of the Zero Project Conference at the end of February 2026 brought inclusive creativity to the center of the global conference for more than 1,400 participants – from performances and panels to inclusive workshops, exhibitions and museum visits.
In February 2026, the Zero Project Conference transformed the United Nations Office in Vienna into a global meeting place for innovation and collaboration on accessibility. More than 1,400 innovators, entrepreneurs, activists, politicians, and self-advocates from around the world came together to present and further develop solutions for a world without barriers.
An important element of the conference was the extensive arts and culture program, which made the topics of inclusion and participation visible and tangible through creative formats.
The focus was on two panel sessions with the seven Zero Project Arts Awardees 2026, The event showcased inclusive cultural initiatives from Europe, North America, and South America. The sessions explored topics such as new approaches to accessible museums, multisensory festivals, and career opportunities for artists with disabilities. The program was complemented by a musical performance of a disability rights song in support of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Further insights were provided by five fireside chats that highlighted different aspects of inclusive culture – from barrier-free nightlife and party life, to film screenings and inclusive art institutions, to participatory art projects such as weaving or mosaic design with people with learning difficulties.
Interactive formats were also part of the program. One such format was an inclusive dance class led by dancers from the club. I'm okay. Together with Helle Deertz, she invited participants to experience movement, community, and accessibility firsthand. Two mosaic workshops by the Fundació Espurna also offered the opportunity to create their own artworks together with artists with learning difficulties.
Performances also played a key role. The conference opened with an energetic musical performance by the DJ duo Okma and Relups. During the Zero Project Award Ceremony, the Zero Project Art Awardee 2026 Omnium Circus thrilled the audience with an impressive circus show.
Beyond the conference venue, the cultural program continued in the city of Vienna. Two inclusive museum tours offered participants insights into the Marina Abramović exhibition at the Albertina Modern as well as the permanent exhibition. Vienna. My History at the Vienna Museum.
Another highlight was the #ZeroCon26 Afterparty – Diversity Dance, Organized by the Diversity Ball, DJ Mel Merio, and Zero Project, the event brought together people with and without disabilities, conference participants, and the Viennese community for an inclusive evening filled with music, encounters, and movement. Artistic contributions included those from Zero Project Art Awardee 2026 Suisha Inclusive Arts and the project itself. Colorful Encounters – combined music, activism and cultural diversity.
The program was complemented by an inclusive photo exhibition from Canon. World Unseen with tactile elements, audio guides and videos in Austrian Sign Language as well as a poetry reading by the literary ambassadors of the Ohrenschmaus association at the opening event of #ZeroCon26.
Three aspects made the arts and culture program special:
- Art as an experience of inclusion: Accessibility was not only discussed, but actively experienced.
- Diverse formats and Genre: Performances, workshops, discussions and exhibitions brought together different perspectives.
- Global community: Artists and experts from many countries participated in the program together.
Here is an overview of the Zero Project Arts Awardees 2026, which have already been featured on MuseumsGuide inclusive:
For those who want to see some of the highlights of #ZeroCon26, there are videos on YouTube:
Performances
Opening ceremony starting with the DJ duo Okma and Relups: https://www.youtube.com/live/8SdaWbZW1so?si=g9g-kEyVoZ9lkOhG
Award Ceremony with a circus performance by Ominum Circus: https://www.youtube.com/live/gXB2VpPjhkM?si=HUjsqwXAlxEPsL7G&t=1042
Art panels
Full participation for all artists and audiences: https://youtu.be/z1MjtKVcPjc?si=2DyOKl4d–9TPXln
Making cultural spaces accessible and inclusive: https://youtu.be/Dr_PcxMbUy8?si=AepX25uzDBnKyHRJ
Fireside chats
Nightlife and parties that everyone can attend and enjoy: https://youtu.be/9lbnaoBU9fk
Making Visual Arts and Arts Spaces Accessible: https://youtu.be/KLwiOpX3flg
Making Films and screenings Accessible for All: https://youtu.be/C5oKIJJgulM
Canon World Unseen – The Exhibition You Don't Need to See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCwJ61HRoV0
Using Weaving and Mosaics for Participation and Creativity: https://youtu.be/suptFw2zC3E
Further links for further reading:
Canon Exhibition World Unseen: https://www.canon.at/view/unsee-the-world/
Association for a Feast of the Ears: https://www.ohrenschmaus.net/