EXILE Books announces LISTEN TO THIS BUILDING events Sept. 3-Oct. 17 in Miami

MIAMI - Aug. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- EXILE Books is proud to announce the programming calendar for LISTEN TO THIS BUILDING, a collaborative project between Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD) and EXILE Books, a Miami-based, pop-up artist’s bookstore, and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

The exhibition is believed to be the first architectural exhibit designed to address accessibility for persons with visual impairments. The exhibition will take place at 100 NE 1st Ave., Miami, Fla., 33132 from Sept. 3 to Oct. 17, 2015. For information on the exhibition and a schedule of programs, go to www.miamicad.org or www.exilebooks.com.

LISTEN TO THIS BUILDING will present a groundbreaking program that seeks to bridge the understanding between downtown Miami architecture, independent publishing, and accessibility, specifically addressing visual impairments.

The events are a critical component of the LISTEN TO THIS BUILDING in addition to exhibition features:
·       Tactile relief works of 10 select downtown buildings with Braille wall texts
·       Outdoor art installation transforming MCAD’s public stairway with a narrative audio component wherein locals share illuminating stories about historic downtown buildings
·       3D model of the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse accessible only through touch
·       A Braille artist’s book published by EXILE Books will provide visitors with a mobile version of the exhibition to share with others.

The program schedule:

Sept. 3 – LISTEN TO THIS BUILDING Opening Reception
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Miami Center for Architecture and Design

Sept. 8 – “Celebrating 85 Years Through Tactile Art, Music, and Other Programs”
by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind
6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
Speakers Virginia Jacko and Nelba Gonzalez will discuss the history of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s programs and the tactile art works its creative community has produced.

Sept. 12 – Orientation and mobility tours for Downtown Art Days by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind leads
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Participants will be given blindfolds and a mobility cane to use with their heightened senses to explore the way individuals with visual impairments experience Miami’s architecture. The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, in conjunction with Downtown Art Days, will lead tours through the Old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, a historic building presently home to Miami Center for Architecture and Design. Tours run every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please RSVP with MCAD at info@miamicad.org.

Sept. 24 - CARTA in Resonance: MBUS, Models and Music by FLEA
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
Florida International University’s College of Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) will bring the exhibition’s 3D architectural models to life through experimental processes and sounds by Matthew Wasala, Patricia Elso and the FLEA (FIU Laptop & Electro-Acoustic) Ensemble.

Oct. 1 – “Songs of the City, Songs in the Dark” by IlluminArts
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1
Miami’s Art Song and Vocal Chamber Music series IlluminArts will present an immersive musical experience, encouraging participants to engage with sound through all the senses.

Oct. 3 - Building Voice: A Talk by Architect Christopher Downey
6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Christopher Downey, a member of The American Institute of Architects who continued his architecture practice after losing his sight, will speak on design for the blind.

Oct. 6 - Accessibility Talk: Advocacy & Community Awareness
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6
The discussion will feature Miami entrepreneur and artist R. David New and curator Sara Darling, highlighting New’s work with Miami organizations Power Access and Ability Explosion, and exploring the ways in which New and Darling seek to promote accessibility upgrades within infrastructure around Miami and Miami Beach.

The exhibition, mobility tours and Braille artist book are made possible with the support of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Support for EXILE Books is made possible through the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Braille embossing and consulting for the project generously provided by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. Tactile illustrations offered by John De Salvo and Judith McBrien as featured in the Norton’s Pocket Guide to Miami Architecture. Programming partners include Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, Ability Explosion, Florida International University's College for Architecture + the Arts, and IlluminArts. Additional sponsorship provided by Thomas Printworks and SFCA isaw + Subtropics.

EXILE Books is a pop-up, artist’s bookstore that migrates throughout Miami, spending two to three months in each location. The hybrid art installation, bookstore, and programming outlet is dedicated to advancing the circulation, understanding of and engagement with artist’s publications. EXILE seeks to establish a pervasive print culture in Miami by creating hubs for independent publishing that represent and serve South Florida’s diverse community.

Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD) is the place for everyone interested in design and the built environment, with community meeting space and educational programs to enhance public appreciation for architecture and design. The facility, which serves as home to AIA Miami, includes the Visitors' Center for downtown Miami, established in partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority.