From October 3 to 30, 2025 The Gebärdenverse association is organizing an art exhibition by deaf-blind and deaf artists at the Alte WU, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna. With over 1000 square meters of exhibition space, the association demonstrates that art can be more than mere pictures whose content can only be understood by looking at them and reading descriptions.
The Gebärdenverse association addresses the central question: What barriers exist at art exhibitions and how can these be reduced so that more people can experience art? Together, Gebärdenverse aims to make the art world accessible to everyone.
For the association, an accessible art exhibition consists of several factors. On the one hand, the art objects are either already tactile in nature or are made tactile, for example, through modeling using 3D printing, clay, and other materials and creative methods. On the other hand, visitors' mobility needs are addressed and economic barriers are avoided by basing the exhibition on voluntary donations. Information will be available in easy-to-understand language, and there will be daily offerings in Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). Guidelines and orientation systems will also be installed.
Supporting program
In addition to haptic art, the exhibition also offers lectures and workshops. These address topics such as deafblindness, inclusion in art, or raising awareness about ÖGS, and are developed within the communities.
More about the exhibition and the supporting program can be found here