Zero Project Inclusive Arts

The Zero Project seeks innovative forms of art and expression worldwide that allow people with disabilities to actively participate in the arts and realize their full potential. The Essl Foundation supports inclusive art projects.

The Zero Project Inclusive Arts initiative is dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of Arts and Culture to positively impact society. The Zero Project believes that exposure to and participation in the Arts can strengthen communities, drive economic growth, enhance education, and improve health and wellbeing.

This commitment is aligned with international standards, including the UN CRPD, the Marrakesh Treaty, and the American Disability Act of 1990. The Zero Project firmly stands for breaking down barriers that hinder people with disabilities from accessing the Arts, including access to buildings, education, training, and employment opportunities. An accessible world of Arts and Culture fosters vibrant, inclusive communities, supports disabled Artists, promotes independent living, and encourages entrepreneurship.

The Zero Project finds and shares solutions that remove barriers for persons with disabilities. At the Zero Project Conference 2023, Street Art Belgrade created an accessible artwork titled “Inclusion”. This inspired replication in the US and Austria.

The "Inclusion" mural, unveiled during #ZeroCon23 at the United Nations Office at Vienna, showcases the transformative power of street art. Created by Serbian artist Jana Danilović, this mural embodies the universal truth that love and touch transcend barriers, depicted through two women embracing—one seated in a wheelchair. Their sweaters, adorned with blue polka dots on a coral background, symbolize unity amid diversity. Turquoise hues backdrop the scene, with sparrows soaring freely, evoking a sense of boundless possibility.

Pioneering tactile models

This landmark project, made possible by Street Art Belgrade, pioneers inclusive street art practices globally. "Art in Passing," initiated in 2021, aims to make street art accessible to visually impaired individuals through 3D printed tactile models. These models, enriching the art experience with texture and perspective, underscore the belief that street art should be enjoyed by all.

Replication in Vienna and the US

In Austria, inspired by Street Art Belgrade's initiative, there are now three barrier-free street art works in the seventh district of Vienna, at Karl-Farkas-Park. Martin Essl, Petra Burger, and Markus Reiter spearheaded this accessibility drive, integrating tactile models and Braille descriptions to ensure inclusivity.

Similarly, in the US, Jill Wells, a Fellow at The Harkin Institute, champions accessible art with 3D mural models. Her latest endeavor, unveiled at King Elementary School in Des Moines, aims to reshape Iowa's mural landscape, empowering individuals of all abilities to experience public art.

Most recently, the United Nations Office at Vienna, a long-standing partner of the Essl Foundation and venue for the annual Zero Project Conference, commissioned a landmark art project on one of the towers at the Vienna International Centre. The Essl Foundation’s Founder, Martin Essl, and his family donated a tactile board to make the artwork accessible to people with visual impairments. 

These initiatives, rooted in collaboration between Street Art Belgrade and The Zero Project, signify a global shift towards inclusive art, fostering connection and belonging for all.
 

Learn about the artworks at Karl-Farkas-Park in Vienna and the tactile models:

Audio Guide in English

Audio Guide in German

Based on the insights gathered from our Zero Project Inclusive Arts Community, the core focus areas for Zero Project Inclusive Arts include:

• building an network and collaborations to amplify the visibility of inclusive arts in society;
• promoting intersectional socially engaged work by creatives and professionals across various sectors worldwide;
• advocating for the intersection of arts and sustainability;
• sharing web/digital accessibility advancements in the arts;
• prioritizing inclusion and the elimination of various human barriers;
• highlighting the importance of the arts in society and its economic value;
• recognizing the far-reaching impact of inclusive arts on society.

Joining the Zero Project Inclusive Arts Community offers a multitude of benefits, including:

• opportunities to connect with new networks and peers in the field;
• collaboration with like-minded change makers, innovators, and experts;
• contribution to the promotion of inclusive arts on a global scale;
• participation in projects and cooperation with diverse organizations and individuals;
• a shared commitment to removing barriers between people with disabilities and those without, fostering a more inclusive society;
• belief in the Zero Project's mission and the value of inclusive arts in promoting a healthy society;
• access to a platform for exchanging ideas and expertise with experts in the field;
• collaboration opportunities, professional development, and international project cooperation.

Contact the Zero Project to become a part of the Zero Project Inclusive Arts Community and contribute to a more inclusive world through the power of the Arts and Culture:

Join now!