Marking the bicentenary of braille, Canon South Africa is bringing inclusive artwork to life with the World Unseen Exhibition on the Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town this month.
A collaboration between Canon SA, BlindSA Association, the British High Commission and Iziko Museum, the exhibition makes use of groundbreaking tactile print technology to reimagine the best way that artwork is skilled, making tradition extra accessible and barrier-free.
The World Unseen Exhibition celebrates an development that gave hundreds of thousands of people who find themselves blind or visually impaired entry to studying, writing and independence. As braille is honoured worldwide in 2025, Canon SA is constructing on that historical past by exhibiting how fashionable imaging and printing applied sciences can prolong accessibility even additional, guaranteeing that tradition and creativity are inside attain for everybody. “Canon has always believed that technology should empower people and remove barriers,” mentioned David Preston, Managing Director at Canon SA, highlighting how the World Unseen Exhibition demonstrates that artwork and tradition can now be skilled in ways in which had been by no means doable earlier than.
The expertise powering the exhibition is Canon’s game-changing tactile printing development, which transforms visible works into textured, touchable surfaces. By enabling audiences to really feel and interpret pictures and artworks, the expertise creates a multi-sensory cultural journey that expands on conventional accessibility. ” “We are excited to bring accessibility to life through this exhibition, where visitors will have the unique opportunity to both touch and view artefacts from the Antoinette Botha Braille Museum (Gauteng), as part of the 200 Years of Braille celebration”,” says Jace Nair, CEO, at BlindSA Association, reflecting how the tactile expertise straight enhances the expertise for guests. Introduced throughout braille’s two hundredth yr, it locations emphasis on how fashionable imaging and printing can proceed to push the boundaries of inclusion.
Building on this basis, the exhibition is strengthened by the mixed experience of all its companions. Canon offers the tactile print expertise, BlindSA contributes advocacy and management in accessibility, the British High Commission lends worldwide help, and Iziko Museum gives cultural stewardship and a platform for inclusion. “Partnerships like this prove that true accessibility is not the responsibility of one institution, but of all of us,” says Lindsay Hendricks, Senior Educator: Social History at Iziko Museum. “By combining advocacy, innovation and cultural stewardship, we can make South Africa’s heritage available to everyone.”
The British High Commission’s involvement showcases their dedication to improvement and social affect. “We’re proud to support the World Unseen Exhibition, which we first introduced in South Africa at the King’s Birthday Party in June. This collaboration reflects our commitment to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that culture and heritage are open to all. By working together, we’re helping to make art more universally accessible – through innovation, advocacy, and shared values.”
says Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa on the British High Commission, emphasising how their involvement strengthens the exhibition’s attain and affect.
By bringing collectively expertise, advocacy and cultural experience, the World Unseen Exhibition reshapes how artwork is skilled, celebrating braille’s 200-year legacy whereas breaking new floor in inclusive design. Canon and its companions affirm that accessibility is not only a purpose, however a shared accountability, creating significant cultural experiences for blind and visually impaired communities. Visitors are inspired to discover the exhibition at Izikothis September and expertise artwork in a rare, unforgettable new method.
The World Unseen Exhibition will probably be hosted on the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town from 1 to 30 September 2025. Open each day between 09:00 and 17:00, the exhibition welcomes the general public to discover and expertise tactile artwork shows that bridge the visible and tactile worlds. Admission is from R50 for native adults, R30 for youngsters, pensioners and college students (with legitimate playing cards), with free entry for pensioners and college students on Fridays, in addition to on commemorative days.
Visit the World Unseen Exhibition this September and uncover how contact can rework tradition. Purchase your tickets right here: Iziko South African Museum