Key visual Theaterfestival auawirleben Bern

Panel «Rethinking Access?»

SNF-Forschungsprojekt «Ästhetiken des Im/Mobilen» (Bern)

Place Zentrum Markus - Annex

Language German and Swiss German Sign Languange

Duration 1 h 30 min

Thursday 30.5. 16:30

Research shows that structural transformation in the cultural sector is most effective and sustainable when funding structures, artists and cultural institutions work together. This panel discussion brings together three positions: Sophia Neises, artist, choreographer, dancer (Berlin) - Virginie Halter, Cultural Promotion Specialist, Kultur Stadt Bern - Silja Gruner, auawirleben, dramaturgy and organisation.

The focus is on good practice approaches that rethink accessibility and structures in the performing arts. Where is there potential for even better collaboration at the interfaces between these positions? What opportunities are there to learn from each other?

The Swiss National Science Foundation-funded research project «Aesthetics of the Im/Mobile» at Bern University of the Arts (Director: Prof. Dr. Yvonne Schmidt) explores new forms of how theatre and dance productions can circulate. Not only festivals, but also theatre venues are progressively more often inviting guest performances and guest artists or developing transnational co-productions. At the same time, the logics of dance and theatre distribution are being put to the test, and not just from an ecological perspective: since Covid-19, streaming formats have been booming and live performances are migrating to the screen. For artists with disabilities, im/mobility has not only been an issue since Covid-19. Their experiences with im/mobility have hardly been considered so far.

Easy Read

At this event, various people will discuss one topic: How can art and culture be made accessible to all people?

Translation into Sign Language

The panel discussion is translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS).

Interpreter: Tamara Bangerter

For this event you can find an explanatory video in DSGS here.

For people with vision disabilities

The panel discussion is accessible without the visual layer. Zentrum Markus is equipped with tactile ground surface indicators. If you attend the event with a service dog, you can of course bring it into the hall.

Here you can find an Audio-trailer for the event.

Relaxed Performance

The panel discussion is relaxed. Noises and movements in the audience are not disruptive. The audience is allowed to ask questions and come and go during the conversation. There are no loud noises. The discussion lasts about 30 minutes.

There is a Relaxed Space at Zentrum Markus – Beiz where you can retreat to at any time. It’s open whenever the bar is open. There you will find some beanbags, mats, blankets, cushions, dimmed light and sensory tools. The Relaxed Space is signposted. 

For people with mobility disabilities

Zentrum Markus – Annex is accessible barrier-free. There is a lift to the performance space on the 1st floor. There is a barrier-free toilet on the ground floor.

Free entry

Special Check-In

At auawirleben you have the option of a Special Check-In. If for any reason you would like to avoid regular admission, require a specific seat, need any mobility assistance or would like to be picked up at the bus station, please contact us in advance (checkin@auawirleben.ch). Someone from the team will accompany you according to your needs.

Access Friend

At Annex you will find an Access Friend before, during and after the event. This person is marked with a purple waistcoat. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance, please turn to the Access Friend.

Social Story

Social stories are used as a tool to prepare people for a social event such as a theatre performance. In our Social Stories, you will find a description for each performance, what situation to expect at the venue and what customs apply there. You can find the (German) Social Story of the panel as PDF here.

Moderation
Nina Mühlemann
With
Sophia Neises, Virginie Halter, Silja Gruner

Cooperation: with the SNF-Project «Ästhetiken des Im/Mobilen» at Hochschule der Künste Bern (BFH)

Ästhetiken des Im/Mobilen