The Polygon Gallery engaged Heather McCain in providing on-site feedback on the gallery’s “Velvet Terrorism: Pussy Riot’s Russia” exhibition. The Polygon was interested in exploring how to make the exhibition more low sensory friendly for visitors on their low sensory night. This was an interesting consultation opportunity, due to the exhibition’s overwhelming visual, sonic, and physical intensity, and its densely structured maze-like multimedia environment.
The low sensory event was a success. Visitors who require low sensory were glad to find staff prepared and aware of the various ways low sensory spaces can be supported. There was an adjacent room set up as a low sensory space with stim toys, colouring, and quiet. The Pussy Riot exhibition is purposely sensorily overwhelming and Polygon Gallery worked to lower that without affecting the impact of the exhibit. Some visitors also shared that they didn’t think they would be able to last long and instead were able to enjoy the exhibit as much as they wanted. The staff said it was great to hear such immediate, positive feedback.
LET’S started our relationship with The Polygon Gallery in 2021, providing Disability Awareness and Gender & Sexuality workshops and an accessibility audit. We were pleased to see them make immediate improvements, based on our recommendations. The Polygon Gallery also applied for, and received, funding to increase accessibility. Since that time, we have been in regular contact as they continue to learn about accessibility and the needs of the disability and neurodivergent communities. We look forward to our continued relationship.