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Access Policy

Introduction

This policy sets out the museum’s vision and objectives for maximising access for everyone, regardless of ability, age, gender, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, faith, language, location or wealth.

The museum’s mission is to inspire, educate and entertain the public through the display and interpretation of historical works of art that are in the public domain.

The museum’s exhibits are accessible online through its website and its virtual presence within the Second Life metaverse, where visitors can explore, interact and learn about the artworks in a immersive and engaging way.

The museum is committed to providing a high-quality and inclusive service that meets the needs and expectations of its diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Potential barriers and strategies

The museum recognises that there are potential barriers that can prevent people from accessing and enjoying its exhibits, such as:

Physical barriers: such as limited mobility, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or other disabilities that may affect the ability to use a computer, access the internet, or navigate the website or the virtual environment.

Technical barriers: such as low bandwidth, slow connection, outdated software, incompatible devices, or lack of technical skills or support that may affect the quality or availability of the online experience.

Financial barriers: such as the cost of internet access, computer equipment, software, or membership fees that may affect the affordability or feasibility of accessing the online exhibits.

Educational barriers: such as low literacy, numeracy, or digital literacy, or lack of prior knowledge or interest in art or history that may affect the comprehension or appreciation of the online exhibits.

Cultural barriers: such as language, religion, ethnicity, or nationality that may affect the relevance or sensitivity of the online exhibits.

The museum implements the following strategies and actions to minimise or remove these barriers, such as:

Providing alternative formats and modes of access, such as audio, video, text, images, captions, transcripts, subtitles, or sign language, to cater for different abilities and preferences.

Ensuring that the website and the virtual environment are user-friendly, accessible, and compatible with various browsers, devices, and assistive technologies, and that they comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Offering free or subsidised access to the online exhibits, or providing options for donations, sponsorships, or memberships, to ensure that the online exhibits are affordable and sustainable for everyone.

Providing clear and concise information, guidance, and support for the online exhibits, such as FAQs, tutorials, helpdesks, or chatbots, to assist visitors with technical or educational issues or queries.

Developing and delivering diverse and inclusive content, programmes, and activities for the online exhibits, such as exhibitions, tours, workshops, games, quizzes, or social events, to appeal to different audiences and interests, and to promote learning and engagement.

Consulting and collaborating with various stakeholders and communities, such as artists, historians, educators, researchers, or users, to ensure that the online exhibits are relevant, accurate, and respectful of different perspectives and values.

Monitoring and evaluation

The museum monitors and evaluates its access performance and impact by using various methods and indicators, such as:

Collecting and analysing data and feedback from the online exhibits, such as visitor numbers, demographics, behaviour, satisfaction, or comments, to measure the reach, usage, and quality of the online service.

Conducting and reviewing research and studies on the online exhibits, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or case studies, to assess the outcomes, benefits, and challenges of the online service.

Comparing and benchmarking the online exhibits with other similar or relevant online services, such as other museums, galleries, or educational platforms, to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the online service.

Reporting and communicating the results and findings of the monitoring and evaluation to the museum’s governing body, staff, funders, partners, and the public, to demonstrate the value and impact of the online service, and to inform the planning and improvement of the online service.