In France, 65 000 people are blind and 1.2 million visually impaired. Unfortunately, many stereotypical notions still persist in today’s society. Many people wrongly believe that they are not able, autonomous, or competent. Optic 2000 Foundation – Lissac – Audio 2000 and the Valentin Haüy association got together to raise public awareness about these invisible disabilities, visual health in general and the representation of people living with visual impairment. This collaboration aimed at overcoming clichés by reflecting the lives, the diversity and wealth of experience, of 4 partially sighted members of the association.

Being visually impaired doesn’t in any way stop somebody from taking part in artistic or creative projects. Thanks to this conviction, an unusual concept was brought to life. The very first exhibition of photos entirely conceived by partially sighted people. An exhibition that could overturn the stereotypes surrounding the visually disabled.

The strategy was to leverage the creative potential of artificial intelligence to produce artworks for the exhibition. Although new technologies are often viewed as threatening, given their impressive results, we chose to harness their potential to demonstrate that they can play a positive role and have a positive impact when put to good use.

Four visually impaired members of the association enabled us to create an exhibition. Each of them conceptualized various mental images of important moments in their lives and the photographer, using AI, then digitally materialized these memories. He engaged in extensive conversations with each participant to collect detailed accounts and memories, which allowed him to use Midjourney to transform their mental images. These emotional discussions proved instrumental in enabling him to create the artworks.

The artworks were then exhibited in a Parisian gallery to showcase these out-of-the-ordinary artists and raise awareness about the different types of visual impairment.

The exhibition was completely accessible to visually impaired and blind people, as all the signs were also in braille. A dedicated website was also developed with digital access to the artworks with audio description. The unusual photos were sold and the funds given directly to the Valentin Haüy association to continue its mission.

>> 1.4M views in 10 days of the explanatory video introducing the 4 members of the

association

>> +80M impressions

>> 8000 visits to the exhibition from members of the general public

>> 16 pieces of work sold (all of them), earning 12000 euros for the association

>> many questions from the public about AI and its usage - proof that this project was a real benefit for the cause

>> +50 000 visits to the website dedicated to the exhibition