Art Beyond Sight / Art Education for the Blind

Information on Art Beyond Sight

They produce the most used tactile reproductions of existing artworks. Originally formed in New York, US , in 1987 as Art Education for the Blind by Elizabeth Axel for her grandmother, an art historian who was going blind, the organisation is now concerned with tactile courses, museum education and awareness issues as Art Beyond Sight.

Living Paintings Trust

Information on Living Paintings Trust

Formed in London, UK, in 1989 by the art historian Alison Oldland, this British project is similar to Art Education for the Blind’s tactile pictures project, but does not participate in training or museum education. It provides materials to schools and individuals.

Toronto University at Scarborough (PSYC54 Cognition and Representation)

Information on Toronto University at Scarborough

Probably the leading course for those wishing to develop an academic understanding of art for and by blind people, based in Toronto, Canada. It has been developed by John Kennedy, the leading psychologist, and based on the book Art Beyond Sight.

National Exhibits by Blind Artists

Information on National Exhibits by Blind Artists

Founded in Philadelphia , US, 1975, this institute organises serious exhibitions of work by blind artists based on a belief that there was not enough representation for this group of painters and sculptors. It has since evolved to exhibit work on its website and run an annual competition.

Blind Art

Information on Blind Art

Founded in London, UK, in 2005 by Sheri Khayami, this organisation organises an annual competition for artists creating work that can be appreciated by both blind and sighted people alike. They hold these pieces in a permanent collection, and hold an annual touring exhibition of the finalists’ work.

 Accessible Images

Information on Accessible Images

This Norwegian based email listing was formed by Lisa Yayla. It provides a free listing of news and articles of interest from around the world, with a specific interest for those who work with blindness and the arts.

Blind With Camera

Information on Blind With Camera

This Indian based organisation is run by the photographer and technologist, Partho Bhowmick. It runs courses in photography for people who are blind and visually impaired, with its main project providing cameras for students in a school for the blind in Mumbai and asking them to record their lives in and around the institution – a sample of these images are available in our gallery.

Seeing With Photography Collective

Information on Seeing With Photography Collective

This organisation is a collective of 18 photographers from New York, US, who are registered blind or visually impaired. They produce mainly monochrome work, and exhibit regularly. In addition they run courses and workshops for people who are blind and visually impaired. Members of the collective are also featured in the book Shooting Blind, published in 2002.

Seeing Beyond Sight

Information on Seeing Beyond Sight

This organisation is run by the artist and lecturer Tony Deifell from San Francisco, US. It promotes photography for people who are blind and visually impaired. Tony taught children from Governor Morehead School for the Blind, and his organisation has widely exhibited the work he collected from projects with these children. These photographs have also been presented in a book, entitled Seeing Beyond Sight.