Countdown To A Deaf-Led Gallery Tour

How Deaf Art Lecturers Prepare For Exhibition Talks

© Melissa Mostyn

Apr 8, 2009

A CV has been sent, contact made, and the gallery has confirmed their intention to book a deaf-led tour there. What next?

At this point, it's wise to establish as early as possible what standard gallery procedure is. Use this countdown as a guide to planning a deaf-led tour.

18 Months-2 Years

• The average timescale in which galleries start planning exhibitions. This can vary depending on budget or fund-raising work, staff availability and other resources.

6 Months

• By then the gallery will be programming events in conjunction with the exhibition prior to its launch. Details of what is being planned should be obtained so to identify themes that meet particular areas of interest.
• It is essential to indicate the depth of subject knowledge so to reassure gallery staff that they are booking someone with sufficient expertise. Read the event programme and see how much scope for flexibility it allows in terms of theme, subject and context.
• Discuss available times and dates that the gallery can work into their schedule. Some galleries may suggest booking the tour in conjunction with another event in a bid to attract bigger audiences, while others may choose a quieter time for crowd control purposes.
• Most gallery tour fees are set by agreed budgets, and can vary wildly. Get it in writing and ask if it includes travel.
• Get hold of the exhibition catalogue and other background material from the gallery where possible. Research can then be tailored accordingly. Be prepared to email a brief and informative summary to put into promotional leaflets.
• If British Sign Language (BSL) or Sign Supported English (SSE) will be used and a voice-over interpreter is required, ask if the gallery has any contacts, and offer a list of preferred interpreters if available. Alternatively refer them to the National Register of Communication Professionals Working With Deaf and DeafBlind People.

6-8 Weeks

• Either attend the launch, or in the weeks preceding the tour. Where required inform the gallery in advance so they may make themselves available for any questions.
• Observe the exhibition's layout: lighting, room size and capacity, signage and display texts, hanging arrangements.
• If the tour is 45-60 minutes long including questions and answers (Q&A) and covers more than one work of art, plan the route, how long it takes to cover each work, and build in sufficient time for the talk to have coherence. Allow 5-15 minutes for Q&A.
• If visiting during usual opening hours, watch how much interest individual works generate, and consider how this might impact on duration. Some galleries’ weekend hours are popular, while others may open on weekdays only and have busy lunchtimes.
• Book the SLI for a run-through 30-45 minutes before the tour.

4 Weeks

• Research should begin to have structure. Ask the gallery for access to their archives or library if more is needed.
• Keep any notes brief for easy reference. Highlight key words or phrases and use bullet points.

1-2 Weeks

• If the gallery requests handouts, re-structure the notes and email back for photocopying.
• If using public transport, plan travel in sufficient time and book where possible.
• Email notes to the SLI.

24 Hours

• Check for any last-minute changes, and inform the SLI if appropriate.

30-45 Minutes

• Do a run-through with the SLI.

10 Minutes

• Be ready to meet the audience.
• Find out who will introduce the tour.

Start

• Go!

A guide to Working with Deaf Art Lecturers is also available for galleries.

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