Developing encounters, exchanges, and involvement among people of different backgrounds is central to the lumbung practice of documenta fifteen. In order to encourage participation among the widest possible audience, documenta fifteen is implementing a series of measures to increase the accessibility of its website, its infrastructure, and its mediation programs.
Website
Since February 2022 the documenta fifteen website has offered a number of functions to promote access to content on the internet. This includes a version of the website with a simple design, a back-to-top button to enable a quick return to the top of the website as well as a contrast switch. A sitemap has been set up that is compatible with screen reader programs, and descriptive texts have been linked with all images.
A new aspect of the website is the information provided in easy read, which will also be available for additional communication formats, such as exhibition booklets.
Coming soon are bookmarks on several sections for facilitating website navigation and videos on how to use the website and on documenta fifteen and visiting the exhibition in German Sign Language and International Sign.
Infrastructure
In terms of infrastructure, the Fridericianum is installing a permanent changing place–a lavatory with a changing bench. This is aimed to provide, above and beyond documenta fifteen, greater access to public life in downtown Kassel for people who cannot use standard barrier-free toilets without a reclining option.
Additional measures to provide a better level of accessibility include resting spaces within the exhibition and in public urban space as well as ensuring accessibility in terms of the exhibition signage. Detailed information about the accessibility of various exhibition venues and the embedding of the Wheelmap into the website—an online map that enables users to find and mark wheelchair-accessible places—allow exhibition visitors to plan their visit in detail.
On site, the Accessibility Card accelerates entry to the exhibition without a long wait. The Accessibility Card is available at ruruHaus to anyone who needs it. Proof of a special-need status is not required.
Mediation
The mediation offerings of documenta fifteen are generally conceived to be as accessible to everyone as possible. In addition to the exhibition tours Walks and Stories offered in many different languages, including German Sign Language, International Sign, and easy language, tours based on tactile and multi-sensory content are also planned. Included in each tour at no additional cost is hearing support in the form of an audio induction loop, depending on availability.
On Walks and Stories visitors are accompanied by sobat-sobat (Indonesian for “friends”), the art mediators of documenta fifteen. They are being trained in nonverbal communication, active listening, and easy language; they also take part in sensitivity workshops.
Integrating local and international networks
The development and implementation of measures for reducing barriers at documenta fifteen is taking place through diverse range of input from and dialogue with local and international networks. This includes the lumbung member Project Art Works, which are initiating interactions between staff members of documenta fifteen and neurodivergent communities in Kassel and surrounding areas; it also includes the collaboration with berlinklusion – Netzwerk für Zugänglichkeit in Kunst und Kultur and initiatives from the Kassel ecosystem, such as leicht ist klar – Büro für Leichte Sprache and specialized advisory boards to the city government.
documenta fifteen is engaging in an ongoing learning process together with its partners, working to continuously expand barrier-free offerings. Currently, the website and some exhibition venues are not completely accessible. On the website, specific barriers are listed, so that all visitors can easily plan their visits to the exhibition.
Please address your questions, suggestions, or criticism in relation to your visit and the initiatives for increasing accessibility at documenta fifteen to: accessibility@documenta.de