BMN hosted training and study visits in Saraevo (22-25 October 2024) as part of the Erasmus+ project “Upskilling HED Students to create transformative cultural experiences for audiences with disabilities“, which brought together experts from five European countries to enhance accessibility in cultural institutions for people with disabilities. The trainings was supported by project partners Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA),  Anadolu University from Turkey, Stichting for Education on Agility Liberating Structures – SEALS from the Netherlands, ARTIFACTORY from Greece, and by members of the Balkan Museum Network such as  Art Gallery of BiH, the History Museum of BiH, the National Museum of BiH, Zenica City Museum, and the Institute and Museum Bitola from North Macedonia. The event provided an excellent platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.

Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, President of TÜBA, and the Project Applicant’s Legal Representative, spoke to the broader societal impact of the iNCLUSION project. “Accessibility is a fundamental human right, and enhancing it within our cultural institutions is a step toward a more inclusive society,” he noted. “Through this project, we are not only strengthening our institutions but also contributing to a cultural shift where people with disabilities are considered integral to our audience. The knowledge and strategies developed here will resonate well beyond our institutions, fostering a more inclusive public sphere.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kevser Çınar, Advisor of the TÜBA President, and the Project Coordinator, underscored the importance of this collaborative effort: “The study visit allowed us to see how different countries approach accessibility, and it helped us align our work with best practices that have proven effective elsewhere. Our partnership strengthens as we all learn from each other, and each partner contributes uniquely to creating environments where people with disabilities feel valued and included.”

The training and study visits brought together 25 higher education students, university professors, and experts in education and cultural heritage to explore ways to better address the needs of vulnerable groups. Through interactive sessions, participants analyzed various disabilities and challenges, considering how to tailor museum content using multimedia tools and new technologies. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Diken, Head of Research Institute for Person with Disabilities from Anadolu University, who led the training sessions, emphasized the importance of understanding the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities. “Our goal was to equip participants with insights into the latest scientific findings regarding disabilities and provide them with examples of innovative multimedia approaches. Accessibility in museums should be based on understanding specific needs, making cultural institutions genuinely inclusive,” said Diken.

Participants shared positive feedback on the program. Amina Hasanović, a pedagogy student at the Faculty of Philosophy of University of Sarajevo, stated: “Participating in this event gave me a deeper understanding of the perspectives and challenges marginalized groups face. This project raises our awareness of the importance of nurturing inclusivity on individual, institutional, and international levels.” Amar Velagić, also a student from the same Faculty, highlighted the need for developing interdisciplinary teams within cultural institutions to work on inclusive policies and educational initiatives.

The iNCLUSION project funded by the European Union will continue implementation through April 2026, offering new opportunities for developing innovative approaches in culture.