Discoveries @30

Last year marked the thirtieth anniversary of Discoveries, The Met's program for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum, along with their friends and families. This exhibition includes works of art created by program participants during the past year, as well as descriptions of the workshops in which they were made. The works demonstrate the themes and materials that inspire these artists to explore, experiment, and develop their creativity.

Discoveries educators and volunteers aim to create an engaging and comfortable environment for families to enjoy art at The Met, to make their own art, and to socialize with one another. Since its inception, Discoveries has included participants of all ages, with and without disabilities. Many families have been participating for years, and new families join regularly. Last year, nearly 650 people participated in the twenty-four Discoveries workshops.

Discoveries is an important part of The Met's century-long history of creating accessible opportunities for people with disabilities to engage with art. Following the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and subsequent legislation ensuring access to public education for children with disabilities, in the late 1970s, educator Charles Steiner piloted programs inviting adults and children with developmental disabilities to visit the Museum and connect with art. Based on this pioneering initiative, The Met published resources on accessibility and programming for museum and classroom educators and established Disabled Visitor Services, a division of The Met's Education Department. Today, the Access division continues to implement programs and accommodations for people with disabilities in the Museum and beyond its walls and to ensure that all Met programs are designed inclusively. In addition, this team leads Museum-wide initiatives supporting The Met's commitment to accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Congratulations to all the artists whose works are on view in this exhibition and many thanks to all Discoveries participants, educators, and volunteers for contributing to this inclusive and creative community.

Access Programs at the Museum are made possible by

Generous support is also provided by the Filomen M. D'Agostino Foundation.

Additional support is provided by Estate of Doris Alperdt, The Ceil & Michael E. Pulitzer Foundation, Renate, Hans & Maria Hofmann Trust, Allene Reuss Memorial Trust, Jane B. Wachsler, The J.M. Foundation, The Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable Trust, and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kahn.