The assistive installation Grandfather and Grandson, developed by Radiona.org / Zagreb Makerspace as an adaptation of a painting from the collection of the Typhlological Museum in Zagreb, has been selected as a finalist for the international Heritage in Motion 2026 award in the New Digital Experiences category.

The project was developed as an adaptation of the painting Grandfather and Grandson for blind and visually impaired visitors, combining tactile representations, audio and digital elements into an interactive experience that offers a new way of engaging with the artwork.

The installation was created within Radiona’s project InkluLAB3: Tactile Sensorics, Visual Communication and Interdisciplinary STEAM Practices, through the #inkluPrototype programme line. Development began in December 2023, and the installation was presented and installed at the Typhlological Museum in September 2024, where it has remained available for use by the museum and its visitors.

The main goal of the prototype was to explore innovative solutions that could improve the accessibility, quality and experience of cultural content for people with visual impairments. Accessibility was not treated as an additional adaptation applied to a finished work, but as an integral part of the design and development process itself.

The painting Grandfather and Grandson, held in the collection of the Typhlological Museum, is attributed to Vjekoslav Karas, although its authorship has been the subject of differing opinions within the professional community. It is considered one of the best-known works associated with Croatian Illyrian-period painting and one of the most widely reproduced Croatian paintings of the 19th century.

The project was developed by Damir Prizmić – concept, design and development; Goran Mahovlić – development and electronics; Željka Bosnar Salihagić – tactile representations and verbal descriptions; Nina Sivec – expert review; and Deborah Hustić – producer and project manager.

Being selected as a finalist for Heritage in Motion 2026 represents international recognition of an approach that connects cultural heritage, assistive technologies, interactive design and inclusion, based on the idea that cultural and artistic content should be accessible to everyone.

The InkluLAB3 project and the development of the installation were supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia.