The exhibition “Culture for All”, which celebrates innovation, inclusion and creativity of young people, was officially opened last night in Kuslev’s house. The unique exhibition brought together objects designed by young authors and five museums. As stated at the opening, the exhibition showcases interesting objects inspired by a dialogue about how cultural institutions can become more inclusive and accessible. Young creators, with their innovative solutions, offered new ways of connecting with the art and cultural heritage of Montenegro.
At the beginning of the evening, the director of the Montenegro Library for Persons with Visual Impairments, Božidar Denda [Bozhidahr Dairnda], addressed the audience and stated that for the first time exhibits and works of art would be presented in the form of 3D models, sculptural and handmade replicas that allow people with different needs to experience culture in the right way.
“We are especially proud of the audio guides that are included in this exhibition, the inscriptions in Braille as well as the video guides in sign language throughout the Museum of King Nikola, by which we have made a significant step in the direction of accessibility of museum contents,” he said.
According to the chief negotiator of Montenegro in the EU, Predrag Zenović [Preddrahg Zairnovich], Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage that, unfortunately, is not always accessible to everyone.
“The exhibition “Culture for All!” takes us on a unique journey through the Montenegrin past and through its nature, combining tradition and innovation, by overcoming obstacles, taking care of all members of our society, especially those to whom cultural goods are not always available.
“There are exhibits round us representing replicas of museum objects, sculptures and landmarks of Montenegro, as well as 3D models and animations depicting plant and animal species from different parts of our country. Their beauty and artistic value can be enjoyed by everyone today, thanks to audio guides and texts in Braille,” he said and noted that inclusion is important for the progress of society.
In his speech, the Deputy Ambassador of the EU in Montenegro, Ricardo Seri, pointed out that this exhibition is an indicator of the value of the EU in practice.
“We talk a lot about European values – solidarity, accessibility, innovation and cultural heritage, as if they were abstract concepts. But we are really happy to see these values in practice. Through the hard work of young creators, the museum’s collections are presented in such a way as to entertain all participants, ensuring that art and history are not part of the past, but live and are interactive, but above all be accessible to everyone,” stated Seri.
He points out that the addition of an audio option and Braille printing sends an important message.
“It is a message that no one should be excluded from the opportunity to explore and respect the richness of our common heritage.” We are glad that the European Union played an important role and supported this initiative, together with the relevant ministry, UNESCO and important partners,” Seri said.
Museums and Galleries of Podgorica are an institution that nurtures art, however, it becomes impossible to consume it due to certain obstacles and disabilities, said Matija Miljanić [Mattiya Millanitch], representative of that institution.
“With this kind of exhibition, we enabled all people with disabilities to feel art and enjoy it. This is a unique opportunity, not only for persons with disabilities, but also for all citizens to get to know the sculptures themselves as best as possible, through touch.”” I would like to mention that the entire exhibition is still in its initial stage, and that we will try to expand its scope,” said Miljanić.
Organizers of the exhibition are the Montenegro Library for Persons with Visual Impairments, the Homer Cultural Centre and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering with the support of donors and partners from the Ministry of European Affairs, the EU Delegation to Montenegro, UNESCO, the Innovation Fund of Montenegro and the Institute of Education of Montenegro.