Sensory-Friendly
Experience
The Museums & Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) is continuing to pilot sensory-friendly experiences at Chalk the Block after first introducing this programming for the 2023 festival. The sensory-friendly hours are a quieter event experience at the beginning of the day on Sunday, allowing participants to enjoy the same Chalk the Block in a calmer atmosphere. This year, we are also introducing additional inclusive programming that welcomes participants of all abilities but may include noisier environments.
On Sunday morning, two of our installation artists will provide accessibility-focused programming. Attendees are asked to register in advance for these experiences. At 10 am, Rack of Lights installation artist Serjik Leon will lead an all-abilities, hands-on workshop at the site of his installation. Participants will learn how the installation works and will create small versions of it using recycled materials. Performance-based installation artist Squonk will provide an inclusive workshop after their 11:30 performance. Attendees will be able to interact directly with the instruments used in their show Brouhaha. PLEASE NOTE: Both installation activities are outside, and the environment may become noisy.
While Chalk Artists are working on their pieces, team members in the area will have descriptions of each piece in the competition. They will be able to share these descriptions verbally with vision-impaired attendees who want to learn more about the pieces nearby.
Sensory-friendly activities and spaces are available within our Downtown Museums. Both the El Paso Museum of History (EPMH) and El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) have sensory kits available, along with individual quiet spaces. Additionally, both museums will offer sensory-friendly programming. At EPMH, participants are welcome to create LEGO buildings inspired by El Paso landmarks from 10 am-12 pm. The Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) team will also host an activity at EPMH, where participants can create sensory wands. At EPMA, participants are welcome to a Create the Rainbow Stencil Mural activity, where they will learn about muralism, community, and color theory with a fun all-abilities mural.
For the first time, Chalk the Block will also include vertical chalking opportunities through EPMA’s Community Chalk Mural. Community members can co-create a beautiful image inspired by nationally renowned Chicana artist Juithe Hernández, whose solo exhibition opens at EPMA early next year. This outdoor activity will be open 10 am-2 pm on Sunday, 10/13.
Participants in these workshops are asked to register ahead of time. Please fill out the short form at https://forms.gle/We2aUheUhBo6motd9. The form also includes further resources for attendees. With questions, please reach out to Madison at kaighm@elpasotexas.gov.
