In partnership with KultureCity® and the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, the Museum offers sensory-friendly programming to foster creativity and inclusivity
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale will host its upcoming Sensory Saturdays, an initiative aimed at providing a sensory-inclusive museum experience for children with diverse neurodivergent needs, ages 6-17, and their families, on March 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Through partnering with KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, and Autism Friendly partner, Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), a nonprofit organization that provides free, lifelong support, and resources to individuals with autism and related disabilities, NSU Art Museum continues to lead the way in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors.
Sensory Saturdays offer a unique opportunity for families to create art in workspaces and explore the Museum in a calm, supportive environment. Visitors will have early, free access to the galleries, which will feature adjustments for low lighting and reduced sound to enhance comfort.
“NSU Art Museum is dedicated to making art accessible and inclusive for everyone in our community,” said Bonnie Clearwater, Director and Chief Curator. “Through partnering with organizations such as KultureCity® and Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, we are committed to creating an inclusive space where every visitor feels welcomed and inspired. These partnerships empower us to go beyond Sensory Saturdays, ensuring that every day at the museum is an opportunity to embrace diversity and provide enriching experiences for all.”
As a KultureCity® Certified Museum, NSU Art Museum staff and security personnel have been trained to better understand sensory processing needs. KultureCity® Sensory Bags will also be available during museum hours for anyone (all ages) with sensory processing needs, including noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, soft seating and sensory-inclusive art supplies, ensuring that the Museum is sensory friendly anytime to anyone. Further strengthening its efforts towards inclusivity, NSU Art Museum has achieved recognition as a CARD-certified Autism Friendly partner, ensuring the Museum is creating spaces where individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families feel supported.
“We are extremely proud of our collaboration with the NSU Art Museum and their dedication to becoming an `Autism Friendly’ partner,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, executive director of the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University (CARD). “Our CARD Autism Friendly Initiative is aimed at creating more inclusive places in our community for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities and their family members. These partnerships with museums, airports, arts centers, and healthcare facilities, among others, benefit the businesses as well. When families feel welcomed and accepted, businesses grow in important ways and our communities are stronger for it.”
“Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, NSU Art Museum is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity® and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity®.
Admission to Sensory Saturday is free, however registration is required. Registration opens one month before each event. To ensure all interested families can participate, the Museum kindly requests that any cancellations be reported in advance, as spots are limited.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Robert E. Dooley Trust NSU Center for Autism Endowment Fund.
For more information or assistance registering for Sensory Saturdays, please call 954-262-0204, visithttps://nsuartmuseum.org/, or email education1@nova.edu.