GLAM
From publishing to museums: natively accessible content for cultural sites
The article analyzes accessibility as a right and as systemic responsibility, in light of the UN Convention and the European Accessibility Act. The accessible publishing model promoted by Fondazione LIA demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated ecosystem, proposed as a reference also for museums.
Cultural participation? It is (still) a privilege
The text analyzes the social and cultural barriers that in Italy limit access to cultural life, considered a citizenship right and a form of community relationship. Beyond physical, economic, or territorial obstacles, symbolic and ritual signals especially weigh, making culture perceived as an elitist space, excluding those who do not master its codes. The dominant cultural imagery, not very representative of the diversity present in the country, marginalizes stories and memories of underrepresented groups, particularly people with migratory backgrounds. The text presents examples of intercultural and community practices that reduce these barriers by making museums and libraries shared and participatory places. For these changes to become structural, long-term policies based on participatory governance, linguistic plurality, and redistribution of cultural power are needed. The final challenge is to redefine the 'we' of Italian culture, recognizing diversity as a resource and condition for a broader cultural democracy.
Museum accessibility start online
The article explains which sections of a cultural site's website make a possible visit to the site welcoming and accessible.
What does GLAM mean?
The collaboration between museums, archives, and libraries (GLAM) is based on the assumption that these three types of organizations, sharing the mission of conserving and enhancing the cultural heritage they collect, address the same communities, offer similar services, and share working practices.
However, the disciplinary fields of the professionals involved are very different, and the operating models and management and enhancement practices of the organizations are not always compatible.