2 Accessibility & InclusionHow do we welcome diversity? Art has a universal reach; “it transcends differences challenges – for smaller institutions with limited resources and can touch everyone,” says Marjan Abadie, founder it is particularly challenging to deliver a fully inclusive of Institut Mindfulness and creator of the Mindful Art programme. Such a network would offer shared resources Experience programme. However, there is still much for diverse and inclusive programming while actively work to be done to ensure that cultural institutions are consulting audiences to better understand their needs inclusive and accessible to all, particularly for disabled and expectations for an ideal museum experience. and neurodivergent audiences. This workshop aimed Michel Lo-Monaco, Accessibility Advisor and Disability to explore how institutions can identify and remove Programme Coordinator at the Louvre Museum, rein- barriers to better address audience diversity. Given the forced this point: “Making institutions accessible is often-invisible nature of neurodivergence, participants not enough. Audiences must be involved.” Cultural lead- emphasised the importance of training staff at all ers must remain open to dialogue, experiment with levels to gain a better understanding of cognitive workshops, testing labs, and pilot projects, and foster differences. Adjustments can then be made to improve collaborative thinking.Could this even be extended at a both face-to-face and digital mediation – first in the European level? These concerns are not tied to a single short term and then in the long term – by developing country but transcend borders. For all participants in this adaptable tools and providing sustained training for workshop, securing funding for accessibility programmes teams, including both decision makers and employees. also emerged as a key challenge. Each European country Central to this was the necessity to shift the focus could establish a dedicated research centre for inclu- away from difference and instead adopt a universal sion, enabling the sharing of resources and expertise. accessibility approach, ensuring that everyone has access Ultimately, these proposals go beyond structural to culturalspaces, artworks, and artistic practices. changes – they call for a transformation in practices and The idea of creating a local museum network was also perceptions. There is a need for a shared level of aware- put forward to facilitate collective reflection on these ness, as accessibility is a collective responsibility. 18