From our eyes to our ears - the stories of art - Part 1

Through the following podcast: ‘From our Eyes to our Ears - the Stories of Art’ we explore the story-telling process with legally blind Art Describer Sarah, as she sheds light on her personal experience. Through this series, we aim to educate the audience about the impact of assistive technology on accessibility, assistive technology for low vision, art interpretation, assistive technology for art, and inclusivity.

The podcast is a collaborative project between AT Chat and Community Matters Media, as part of the Community Creatives series.

The podcast features a conversation between Jacqui O'Leary, from Community Matters Media, and Sarah Empey, with an introduction from AT Chat team member Danika Godfrey-Potter.

'The Community Creatives' podcast was launched in mid-2024, which reflected Jacqui's love for discussing challenging subjects in a meaningful and connected way, diversifying her connection more broadly as a 'Creative Professional', and upskilling and empowering others, through creative arts, self-expression, and holistic approaches to mental health management, sustainability, recovery and wellness.

Jacqui O'Leary believes that everybody has a great story waiting to be told, but not everyone knows what to do with it. With a heart for social justice, Jacqui is passionate about influencing change and advocating for people who don’t have a voice.

She leads with the desire to empower people and affect systematic change for the better, particularly through her advocacy work.

Sarah Empey is legally blind and is currently working as a consultant with art galleries and museums. With lived experience and background in accessible and inclusive design, Sarah has set her “sights” on audio descriptions to bring the world of art to the blind and low-vision community.

Sarah has worked with the Queensland University of Technology Art Museum, William Robinson Gallery, Museum of Brisbane, and The Abbey Museum. Having grown up in Calgary, Canada, Sarah is currently living in Brisbane, Australia.

Sarah provided an audio description for this painting, which you can read on the William Robinson Gallery website