“Senses in Dialogue”
Invitation to the presentation of the printed Accessibility Study of IMMA at TIBF

The Foundation of the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) and Off Stream invite you to the presentation of the printed study “Senses in Dialogue: A Participatory Approach to the Accessibility of IMMA’s Collection”, which will take place במסגרת the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair, on Friday, May 8 at 12:00 p.m., in the Dionysis Savvopoulos Hall (Pavilion 13, TIF-Helexpo).

The study was carried out by IMMA in collaboration with Off Stream, an organization with extensive experience in the field of inclusion and accessibility in culture. It emerged through a participatory process that brought into dialogue different experiences and ways of perception. Its aim is to explore how access to culture can become more inclusive, open, and multisensory.

This initiative is part of IMMA’s strategy to enhance accessibility and inclusion, with a focus on people with sensory disabilities. Based on the principles of Inclusive and Participatory Design, and on the disability movement’s principle “nothing about us without us,” it was developed with the contribution of people with disabilities and specialized professionals, in order to respond to real needs. The study, available in both printed and digital formats in accordance with international accessibility standards, serves as a guide for future museum interventions, promoting equal participation in culture.

The project was implemented with the grant and under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage. The collaboration with Off Stream and the support of the Ministry of Culture highlight the study as an innovative example within the Greek museum sector.

Speakers:

• Athina Pavlidou, Philologist, Museologist, Director of IMMA
• Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor, Department of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, University of Macedonia; Director of KEMIT, IMMA
• Chara Kanari, Special Education Teacher, Museum Educator, Associate Professor of Museum Education, School of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Christina Vlachou, Cultural Manager, Co-founder of Off Stream
• Stella Anastasaki, Art Historian, Co-founder of Off Stream
• Eleni Mavridou, Historian, Head of Reception and Visitor Services, IMMA
• Fani Tsikoura, Educator and member of the Project Focus Group

Moderator:
Maria Vlachou, Cultural Management and Communication Consultant, Executive Director of Acesso Cultura

We look forward to welcoming you to the presentation, where we will share the process, findings, and reflections that emerged from this meaningful journey.

The digital version of the study is open and accessible to all via IMMA’s website, in the Accessibility section

Admission to TIF HELEXPO, as well as attendance at the presentation, is free to the public.