The conference in Liège brought together outstanding researchers and experts from various countries, representing both academic communities and cultural institutions. The event was to explore methods of amplifying and transmitting technical and scientific gestures that accompany human activity. The question of whether museums of contemporary art that are keen to host performances and care about their preservation can share their experiences with museums of science and technology. was also an important aspect of the discussion. The topic of reenactments was also discussed – whether several-hour-long reconstructions of complex gestural practices (e.g. related to a dying profession) could be an effective solution for the future.
ART HISTORIANS ON AUDIO DESCRIPTION AND ACCESSIBILITY
The conference was held as part of the international project UNIC 2.0 – European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition, which brings together universities from ten post-industrial cities, including the University of Lodz. Professor Aneta Pawłowska (Head of the Institute of History of Art, University of Lodz) and Dr Adam Drozdowski represented our university and delivered a lecture entitled: “Audiodescription in Art Museums as a Supportive Gesture for People with Special Needs”.
Their presentation focused on audio description as a tool (but also a curatorial gesture) that supports people with visual impairments and serves to build inclusiveness in cultural institutions. The speakers shared their experiences from implementing research projects and examples of good practices that can serve as inspiration for other museums and galleries. Their presentation was met with great interest and was an important voice in the discussion about the accessibility of art.
The key topics of the conference included considerations on the importance of gestures in museums (how gestures, movement and actions can be presented in the museum space).
The legacy of diverse gestures has been a fundamental element of our cultural heritage over the centuries. Contemporary museums face the challenge of capturing and communicating this gestural knowledge, especially in the case of technical and scientific gestures that are difficult to preserve in a fully dynamic form. Photography and video, while helpful, only capture the moment, not conveying the complex process or evolution of gestures. Moreover, the fragmentary nature of these media – for example, filming a hand using a tool that omits the movement of the stabilising foot – often limits the ability to fully understand the context
– explains Aneta Pawłowska.
What topics did the other conference participants discuss?
- Lorenza Mondada from the University of Basel showed how video and art installations can document and expose gestures and social practices in their full dimension.
- Tim Boon from the Science Museum in London discussed how museum objects tell stories, both through their past use and during their 'life' in the museum.
- Jean-Yves Durand from the University of Minho addressed the topic of technical gestures related to traditional crafts in the Minho region of Portugal, highlighting the challenges related to their documentation and transmission. The accessibility of museums and the diversity of their audiences constituted another important thread.
- Jaime Cuenca from the University of Deusto in Bilbao analysed the supporting role of the Gestures of Welcome in the context of the relationship between museum curators and recipients of university collections.
Reflections on the role of university collections in post-industrial cities and their integration potential were an important element of the discussion. Prof. Pawłowska and Dr Drozdowski noted that audio description could act as an “inclusive gesture”, enabling blind and visually impaired people to participate more fully in culture.
The event in Liège highlighted the crucial role of gestures – both literal and metaphorical – in building new, more inclusive museum narratives. The symposium proved that museums, especially in post-industrial cities, can actively participate in shaping the social role of art, science and education, inspiring deeper reflection on cultural heritage
– adds Adam Drozdowski.
A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF THE BLASCHKA GLASS MODELS
The symposium participants also had the opportunity to become acquainted with the exceptional collections of the University of Liège, among which the collection of glass models created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka attracted particular attention. These extraordinary works, made with unprecedented precision and artistic skill, depict a variety of marine organisms, such as jellyfish, sea anemones and snails.
Created in the late 19th century, the Blaschka models were originally intended as teaching tools, enabling teaching and research on soft organisms that were difficult to preserve in traditional natural history collections. The Blaschka Collection in Liège is one of many examples where science meets art. Made of hand-blown and painted glass, these models not only faithfully reproduce the anatomy of organisms but also serve as evidence of the incredible technical and artistic capabilities of their creators. The presentation of the collection at the University of Liège highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity, combining scientific knowledge with aesthetics and craft tradition.
The symposium in Liège provided participants with a unique opportunity to reflect on historical artefacts, such as the glass models from the Blaschka collection. These objects, created in the 19th century as teaching tools, today inspire contemporary museum techniques. Their unique nature highlights the importance of integrating the past with the future through a modern approach to teaching, exhibiting and protecting the natural and cultural heritage.
"21 PLATEAUS" PROJECT
The conference was a part of the “21 Plateaus – University Collections Network” project, which aims to develop the potential of university collections in post-industrial cities.
Initiated by Prof. Carolin Behrmann from the Institute for Art History Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the project aims to support cooperation between universities and cultural institutions. It focuses on the heritage of university collections and their potential for integration in post-industrial cities. This project aims to strengthen international cooperation, exchange experiences and develop new formats of cooperation between various academic and cultural institutions.
The main assumptions of the project include:
- Cooperation and exchange of experiences – organising meetings that enable their participants to present their collections and discuss opportunities for collaboration, such as joint seminars, workshops, online and travelling exhibitions, and exchanges of students, trainees, researchers and curators.
- Integration of local communities – activation of local communities around university collections, taking into account postcolonial studies, accessibility and inclusiveness of collections, digitisation and contemporary artistic commissions.
- Development and professionalisation of university collections – improving the visibility and professionalisation of university collections through digitisation, creating virtual exhibitions and developing a common internet platform presenting selected objects.
- Scientific and educational engagement – implementation of interdisciplinary research and educational programmes that enrich academic and cultural experiences and support the development of competences of students and academic staff.
- Development of networks of exchange between universities in the field of collecting, presentation, research and education related to university collections; increasing the visibility of the activities and achievements of university collections in the international arena, and promotion of their relevance in the context of contemporary cultural and social challenges.
- Creating a broad pan-European platform for discussion and reflection on the role of university collections in society, taking into account their educational and integration potential.
The 21 Plateaus project is part of the TL7 "Arts, Culture and Creativity, UNICART" plan and is an important element of UNIC Engaged Research programmes, which seek to engage communities in research and cultural activities. Regular conference meetings and seminars, as well as mutual scientific internships, strengthen cooperation within the "21 Plateaus" project and are an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, which contributes to the enrichment and development of the educational and cultural offer in post-industrial cities.
Source: Aneta Pawłowska (Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz)
Edit: Bartosz Kałużny (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)
Photos: Aneta Pawłowska, Adam Drozdowski (Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.