Our Mission
Fully Tactile Art SF is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of art by creating free public art spaces rooted in the sensation of touch. We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments.
Our exhibitions and events showcase works that not only invite viewers to experience art through touch, but encourages them, challenging the traditional "do not touch" museum experience.
Tactile Art Experience
Tactile art creates a multi-sensory experience that can deepen our connection with artistic works. By incorporating texture, dimension, and interactive elements, tactile art opens up new possibilities for artistic expression and appreciation.
Our organization works with artists who specifically create pieces meant to be touched, felt, and physically explored.
Accessibility Focus
We are committed to making art accessible to people of all abilities. Our events feature tactile elements, audio descriptions, and other accommodations to ensure that everyone can engage with the art.
We collaborate with organizations serving the visually impaired community to continually improve our accessibility practices.
Who We Are
Ian Buchanan
Co-founder & Executive Director
Ian brings his extensive background in accessible design and community arts programming to Fully Tactile Art SF. With a passion for creating both digital and physical inclusive spaces, Ian has led initiatives that bridge the gap between visual art and tactile exploration. He has led haptic tours and works as an audio describer for theater shows, dance performances and documentaries, making visual content accessible to blind and low-vision audiences.
Ben Warner
Co-founder & Artistic Director
Ben brings a rich background in dance and arts administration to Fully Tactile Art SF. A former dancer with Smuin Ballet, Ben transitioned into roles that blend artistic direction and community engagement. With an M.A. in Arts Administration from Goucher College, he combines his experience as a performer, teacher, and creative producer to develop tactile art experiences that engage all senses and foster deeper connections with artistic works.
Jerry Kuns
Co-founder & Accessibility Consultant
Jerry is an artist, social worker, and educator who has been blind most of his life and has lived in San Francisco since 1964. With a professional background in accessibility and adaptive technologies, he has served as a Technology Specialist for the California Department of Education and consulted for numerous companies developing information access tools. As a multifaceted artist himself—performer, woodworker, tactile artist, and curator—Jerry brings unique insights to Fully Tactile Art SF. He also founded and leads "Jose Can You See," a San Francisco walking tour company, leveraging his deep knowledge of the city's landscape and history.
Together, our team combines expertise in art, accessibility, education, and community engagement to create meaningful tactile art experiences that welcome everyone to explore art through touch.