Canon ‘World Unseen’ Exhibition Launched to Promote Inclusivity in Photography
Canon Central and North Africa Showcased "Word Unseen" exhibition to
Canon’s “World Unseen” exhibition, launched on December 3, 2024, in Kenya, commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This is a week-long inclusive art initiative in collaboration with the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) which features tactile displays, audio descriptions, and braille, allowing visually impaired individuals to experience photography in a sensory-rich way.
Alongside works by renowned photographers, the event includes masterclasses empowering participants with disabilities to explore creative storytelling, culminating in a participant showcase on December 8. This initiative underscored Canon’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the arts.
The Canon World Unseen exhibition is running until December 8, 2024, between 10 AM- 6 PM at the Kenya National Library Service, inviting everyone to experience photography in an immersive and inclusive way. The exhibition began with a special media event featuring Honourable Bishop Emeritus Jackson Kosgei, Member of Parliament representing persons with disabilities, Somesh Adukia- Managing Director Canon Central & North Africa, Samson Waweru, Executive Director- Kenya Society for the Blind and Dr. Charles Nzivo, CEO Kenya National Library Service.
“It brings me immense joy to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Canon’s focus on making technology inclusive and accessible, especially for persons with visual impairments, is both inspiring and transformative. This exhibition not only empowers individuals with disabilities to explore their creative potential but also sends a powerful message that inclusivity is at the heart of innovation. Let us remember that the disability agenda is not a preserve of a few people – those who are disabled – because disability is a possibility to everyone hence addressing the needs of persons with disabilities is a responsibility for all. I commend Canon and its partners for championing this cause and setting a benchmark for others to follow,” said Honourable Bishop Emeritus Jackson Kosgei.
“The World Unseen is an innovative initiative that embodies Canon’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the creative arts field. By offering a sensory-rich experience, we aim to change how both sighted and visually impaired individuals engage with photography, making it an immersive and inclusive art form,” said Somesh Adukia- Managing Director Canon Central & North Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people globally have some form of visual impairment, presenting significant barriers to appreciating traditional visual art forms like photography. The Canon World Unseen exhibition removes these barriers, offering a unique, accessible, and immersive way for everyone—regardless of their visual ability—to experience and enjoy photography. By incorporating elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, this initiative ensures that photography transcends traditional boundaries and becomes an inclusive medium for storytelling and self-expression.
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