The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Fundación Iberdrola España release ‘Ficción Sonora’
- This initiative is part of the Museo Fácil program
- It consists of nine podcasts and easy-to-read texts of fictional stories about some of the paintings in the collection
- The aim is to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for everyone
08-07-2022
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, in collaboration with Fundación Iberdrola España, launches Ficción Sonora, a new installment of the Museo Fácil educational project. It consists of nine podcasts and easy-to-read texts with stories and audio descriptions about the museum’s paintings that seek to offer a new perspective to access art.
The project aims to create a useful resource for people with visual limitations or reading comprehension problems, but it can be enjoyed by anyone. The ‘Educathyssen’ project relies on the participation of experts in accessibility and organizations that support communities that have been excluded from enjoying culture. Specifically, the AMÁS Foundation, the Puente de Vallecas Municipal Centers for the Elderly, the Madrid Spina Bifida Association (AMEB), and the Latina Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center.
The text and sound content can be accessed through QR codes or the ‘Educathyssen’ website, ensuring access and inclusion of all people regardless of their situation. Some of the paintings featured in these narrations are ‘Hotel Room’ by Edward Hopper, ‘The Psyche Mirror’ by Berthe Morisot, or ‘The Dream’ by Franz Marc. Thus, ‘Ficción Sonora’ offers a transformative experience in which the works come to life from a more everyday point of view and make the viewer the protagonist.
At the event, Evelio Acevedo, managing director of the museum, and Fernando García Sánchez, president of Fundación Iberdrola España, stressed the importance of making cultural heritage accesible to everyone, which is only possible through a social commitment to activate society and make it fairer to guarantee the right to education.
Under the idea of ‘El Museo de Todos’, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza reminds us that it is a space for care and an educational tool. Alberto Gamoneda, educator of the department and in charge of the project, mentioned the lines of education and social action that the museum follows and has been supported by Fundación Iberdrola España. Through programs such as ‘Hecho a Medida’ (with 179 activities developed in a specific way), ‘Dynamo/Alternator’ (professional training workshops), and ‘Museo Fácil’, numerous resources are created to offer new means to access and enjoy the culture that belongs to everyone.
‘Ficción Sonora’ is part of ‘Museo Fácil’, as are previous projects such as the video game ‘The Dedal Games’ or Aitor Saraiba’s graphic novel ‘Tejiendo vidas, contando cuadros’. The Education Area, along with all departments and thanks to the support of Fundación Iberdrola España, is constantly developig, looking for more ways to modernize the museum experience online and in-person, always ensuring the enjoyment and equality of all.
The floor is yours
Among the guests were workers and volunteers from the entities that have participated in the project and the activities of the Education and social action lines of the Education Area throughout the course. All of them have brought their experience to drive this initiative to a successful conclusion.
All of them showed their gratitude and satisfaction with the project outcome. The Candelita Association of Vicálvaro, which helps women in difficult situations, organized a visit to the museum. After the activity, many of them were able to appreciate the importance of art.
The AMÁS Foundation, which validated the easy reading of the narratives of ‘Ficción Sonora’, explained the importance of the project “ayuda a superar miedos” by offering a safe and adaptable space for each individual. In addition, the Municipal Senior Citizens’ Centers of Puente de Vallecas, communicated the joy felt by the elderly to know that the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum had not only not forgotten about them, but had taken them into account throughout the creation process.
These testimonies are examples of the current need to open the doors of cultural spaces to all people. Thanks to the union between the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and Fundación Iberdrola España, networks are created that integrate all members of society into a space of creativity, reflection, and equality.
Fundación Iberdrola España, committed to society
Since its creation, Iberdrola has been committed to the energy, cultural and social development of the communities in which it operates. In this sense, it represents a further step in this commitment by promoting initiatives that improve people’s quality of life. One of the Foundation’s main areas of action focuses on the care, maintenance, and promotion of art and culture. In this way, Fundación Iberdrola España collaborates with the museum’s Education Area in its mission to improve accessibility to the collection and its contents.
