DESIG*ness: when art and inclusion meet, and can be touched!

The Art Academy of Latvia (LMA) has launched a series of creative initiatives as part of the european project DESIG*ness, focused on inclusive design and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

A significant outcome was the theatrical performance Light, I Hear You at the Latvian Puppet Theater. The show featured three blind girls and a professional actress sharing the stage with tactile scenographic elements developed within the project. The audience was invited to interact with the performance through touch and sound, experiencing a documentary-style narrative about the girls' experiences.

A crucial phase of the project took place during the Summer School in September 2024, where workshops explored materials, movement, and accessibility in art.

The ideas developed during the Summer School were further refined in the autumn semester, culminating in the Touch Allowed exhibition, where visitors were encouraged to experience art through touch. Some of the exhibited works were later integrated into the tactile scenography of the theatrical performance.

The DESIG*ness project demonstrates how art and design can create an inclusive environment where everyone can express themselves.
To learn more about the project and the performance, visit the Art Academy of Latvia's website!

Are you curious to see what will happen during the different stages? Stay tuned, as we'll keep you updated with the latest news and video highlights from the events on our partners' social media channels!