Voices Embodied Project
In Collaboration with SAIC
For the last five years, I have had the privilege of Project Managing and Producing multiple impactful exhibitions across the Chicago area. One of the most challenging and rewarding being the ongoing Voices Embodied Project. The project reconsiders disability in relation to broader conversations about identity, access and the body focusing on works by artists with diverse and often intersectional backgrounds, creating a kind of visual narrative about individual and collective experiences. Each iteration of the project brings a unique venue, obstacles, and further iteration of the teams drive to produce as inclusive an experience as possible.
Role
Project Manager
Product Manager
Timeline Production
Event Production
Accessibility
Responsibilities
Hyde Park Art Center
Zhou B Art Center
The Design Museum of Chicago
Partners
I joined the Voices Embodied Project as an exhibition assistant, after their first exhibition, in 2019. Since then I have moved into Project Managing all aspects of the exhibitions, from catalogues, to receptions, to artist talks to web development. When I joined, the exhibition was in the hallways of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Now, with my help, the next iteration of the project will take place at the Design Museum of Chicago in the heart of downtown Chicago in summer of 2024.
About
Currently in the planning phases of its fifth, and largest, iteration of the exhibition project, Voices Embodied has amplified a cacophony of unique and distinct artistic voices over its six year (and counting) run. Each rendition has partnered with various locations, including the Hyde Park Art Center, the Zhou B Art Center, and the Design Museum of Chicago to name a few. Not only does the project aim to amplify voices and narratives from a diverse background of disability, each iteration of the project strives to be more accommodating, inclusive and accessible than the last.
The Process
Context:
Given the nature of the project, and the artists within the series, the Voices Embodied team strives to create accessible experiences. Each exhibition experience focuses on creating an accommodating process for the participating artists from the start. Additionally, every iteration strives to add a new accessible layer to bring the project further into the community. Exhibition Catalogues, Audio Descriptions, Image Descriptions, Guided Maps, Video Tours, and more have all been layered through the years to continue to create an accessible space.
We are continuously questioning what we can add to the experience of our users, and the artists we showcase.
Images from various Voices Embodied experiences.
The design approach for our gallery team reflects years of dedication to accessibility and inclusivity. With over a dozen exhibitions under our belt, each a testament to continual learning and improvement, we prioritize collaboration and innovation. As the design lead, I guide our team in creating immersive experiences that transcend barriers and engage diverse audiences. From humble beginnings, we've evolved into a major force, championing art's power to unite and inspire. Our journey underscores the importance of empathy, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in fostering a more inclusive art community for all.
Our Approach:
Selected experiences
Artist Talks:
With each exhibition, we host an artist talk for the artists in the exhibition to speak on their practice and artworks.
Exhibition Catalogues:
After each exhibition concludes, we collaborate with a graphic designer to produce an exhibition catalogue.
