In Dialogue in the Dark exhibitions, visitors are led by visually impaired guides through a series of specially constructed and totally darkened galleries, where sound, temperature, wind and texture convey daily environments. In the dark, ordinary routines become extraordinary experiences.

The exhibition consists of a series of rooms that are in complete darkness. The visitors, in groups of upto 10 people, get a short briefing and are introduced to their visually impaired guide. Before embarking on the journey through darkness, visitors are shown how to use a long cane and helped to feel safe and secure. Escorted by the guide, they spend 60 to 90 minutes (depending on the size of the exhibition) exploring darkened galleries: a public park, a bustling city street, a food market, a boat, a café, to name a few.

A reversal of roles is created: sighted people are torn out of their familiar ways, losing the sense they rely on most – their sight; visually impaired people are guides, providing security and orientation while transmitting a world without pictures. Within this new paradigm, guides open the visitors’ eyes to show them that the world of the blind, the world of the “other”, is in no way poorer – just different.

The larger aim of the exhibition experience is to:

› Raise awareness about non-visual perception
› Foster an encounter to overcome social barriers
› Increase awareness of otherness
› Develop social skills such as empathy and trust

The reactions from visitors is often interesting and reflects the deep impact the experience has on them. One such visitor shares her feedback upon emerging from the exhibition. Click here to see her reaction!

Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition Info Card