Overview:
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Content Summary: This page provides an overview of the Axis research project, its goals, hypotheses, and outcomes, focusing on how AI-generated accessibility resources can impact the arts.
The Axis research project explores how AI-generated accessibility resources can positively and negatively impact the arts. These resources include non-auditory access, language or translation options, non-visual access, and physical alternatives.
This project is produced by grunt gallery and led by Kay Slater. It is possible thanks to funding from the Canada Council of the Arts.
Research Hypotheses
This project will test three hypotheses:
- AI tools can improve accessibility in the arts, but only when developed with direct input from disabled communities.
- Current ANI tools have built-in biases that must be addressed to make them effective for equitable resource creation.
- Engaging disabled and marginalized artists will help identify overlooked gaps in AI tools and generate practical solutions and best practices for the arts sector.
While we will work with local low-vision, Blind, hard-of-hearing, and d/Deaf artists, our goal is to create resources that anyone who benefits from these forms of access can use, fostering inclusivity and user agency. The research focuses on using AI to produce accessible content and provide access to public exhibitions and “Canadian” contemporary art galleries.
Accessibility is central to every aspect of this project.
Project Outcomes
We will measure progress through the following two outcomes:
- Improved Understanding of AI’s Role in Accessibility: we aim to better understand how AI can support or hinder accessibility in the arts. This includes:
- Collaborating with individuals facing non-auditory, non-visual, and physical barriers to ensure tools meet diverse needs.
- Exploring available resources and identifying gaps to inform future tools and policies.
- Prototyping accessibility solutions in real-time at grunt gallery.
- Sharing Knowledge Transparently: Through this website, we will document the project’s findings, methods, and tools—including successes, failures, and biases—so others can replicate or build on them. This includes:
- Final Report (Fall 2025): A detailed report on potential and existing accessibility resources, as well as gaps and future opportunities.
- Summary and Dissemination: A workshop or video summary of our findings to ensure accessible sharing of the project’s results.
Contact
Are you interested in following this project?
Visit this blog for updates throughout the month. Kay, as the project lead, intends to post updates on Mondays throughout the year (2025) with a few pauses to allow them to focus on installing new exhibitions at grunt and to take seasonal breaks.
A newsletter is in development. If you’re interested in subscribing in these early days before we’re ready to go, email us at access@grunt.ca and we’ll add you to the list.
Kay’s bio page is available on the grunt.ca website.