How accessible is culture? "A-Team" tests museums and theatres in practice

A group called the "A-Team", made up of people with disabilities and operating under the association "Apeirons", is examining how accessible Latvia's cultural institutions really are for all visitors. Rather than conducting theoretical assessments, the group tests venues in practice — travelling there by public transport and experiencing the entire visit from start to finish.

What the "A-Team" checks

The group's work centers on whether accessibility at cultural institutions extends beyond just the exhibition or performance itself. Members assess whether a person in a wheelchair can enter and move around the building, and whether a visually impaired visitor can navigate the space independently. Attention is also paid to everyday but essential details, such as how easy it is to reach the venue and whether restrooms are accessible.

Why it matters

This hands-on approach reveals problems that are not always visible from the outside or considered when planning cultural infrastructure. By physically completing the same journey any visitor would take, the group can identify barriers that prevent people with various functional impairments from fully enjoying cultural offerings.

The "A-Team"'s work is part of broader efforts to make Latvia's cultural environment more inclusive and accessible to all members of society, regardless of their physical abilities.