A Selby Film

Watching this video piece by artist Christine Sun Kim has made me reflect on 3 key points:

1. I was first first reminded of a workshop I participated in as a student with a Visiting Practitioner from the RCA. He brought with him a sound recorder as Sun Kim as used by the artist above. He directed us to record the sound of the surrounding streets and return with our findings. I realised when watching Kim’s video, that I assumed they were able to hear what was being recorded. This is of course evidence of an ablest perspective and what many of onlookers and people Kim meets presumably think too.
2. The workshop I participated in made no mention of a plan in place for someone who could not hear. It was assumed as a given right that everyone has access to. Kim’s video makes it clear that it is a privilege and should be considered as such, but can be reclaimed by incorporating visuality into it.
3. I have been thinking about recent work shops I have lead and how I have done little to no pre-work to ensure that my workshops are as accessible as possible. I have largely assumed the ability of groups of students I have had no prior knowledge of. I am now creating alternative methods of workshop instruction and communication, as well as adding in elements to my workshop which not only make it more accessible, but enhance it as a whole entirely. I believe by employing the social model of accessibility to my workshops, they will be received better by everyone.