Accessing Art and Heritage Through a Visual-Spatial Language: In-person and Digital British Sign Language Museum Tours

Abstract

In 2018-19, the author curated four “Access All Senses” events in three different museums, which showcased British Sign Language (BSL) tours to “mainstream” hearing visitors. The aim was to test whether there was a demand for these beyond the intended audiences of Deaf BSL users. In this paper, the results from feedback and reflections from these events are set alongside the creation and use of digital BSL cultural resources. This paper investigates how such resources can be used and applied, with evidence from hearing focus groups and a project based in a bilingual (BSL-English) primary school. It argues that Deaf art guides leading BSL tours can offer a service for all visitors, including hearing people.