ABERDEEN Art Gallery is offering a more relaxed visiting experience on Mondays for visitors who may prefer it. Relaxed Mondays are primarily for – but not limited to – families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems, and any visitors with sensory needs, or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, along with their families, friends and carers.
Local charity We Too! has worked with the Gallery team to deliver ‘sensory first aid’ training to staff and develop resources including an access guide, visual story, sensory den and sensory kits for visitors. The two organisations began working together when the We Too! ‘Ninjas’ supported visitors with Additional Support Needs (ASN) during the hugely popular Spectra light festival in 2022. The Ninjas will be on hand again during Spectra this weekend (9-12 February). We Too! has worked with a number of organisations in the city to help them offer Relaxed or Sensory Adapted Sessions, including Aberdeen Science Centre, Codona’s Amusement Park, Innoflate, Jump In Trampoline Park and Aberdeen Performing Arts.
The Art Gallery is open to all visitors on Mondays. It does not accept bookings for large group visits on that day in order to try to keep the environment as relaxed as possible. Friendly well-trained staff will be on hand to give a warm welcome, answer any questions and help everyone to make the most of their visit. Some sensory backpacks are available to borrow to help enhance a visit – these include dark glasses, ear defenders and fidget toys. There will also be a sensory den set up in a quiet space for visitors who may need it.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “Aberdeen Art Gallery is a place for everyone to visit. The support from the We Too! team will help to make the Gallery more accessible to individuals with issues of neurodivergency.”
Phionna McInnes, of We Too! commented: “As a customer-driven organisation, it’s our aim to reverse the inclusion model where Relaxed Sessions are predominantly for ASN (Additional Support Needs) participants, but in fact everyone is welcome as long as they are aware of the needs of others visiting at that time. It’s been great working with the Gallery team and other partners the city who are passionate about inclusion and creating the best customer experience for everyone.”
Relaxed Mondays begin at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Monday 13 February.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm
Admission free – more info at www.aagm.co.uk
