where the ramp should be is a socio-political art installation addressing the need for accessibility to public spaces. 

The Gordon Snelgrove Gallery is one of four art galleries on campus, located in the Murray Building; except, this gallery is completely inaccessible. There are no ramps, so any access instantly requires the use of stairs, and of the two elevators it does have, you need to be a full-time employee to request keyholder access. And why should anyone need to beg for access to a public space? Why should anyone feel as if they are unwelcomed here? And why is the university not embarrassed by this lack of access?

This installation acted as a blueprint for the ramp we wish to have. Simultaneously, we followed the correct measurements of an accessibility ramp, including the accurate slope, width and size of the landings as recommended by the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC). As part of the installation, one of our staircases was closed for both safety, and solidifying the message that there really is no access here. For myself, it can be difficult to work here, in a space where accessibility truly has been neglected, and responsibility for granting public access depends on my own unabled body. However, it was two abled women, who upon acknowledging why the staircase was closed, commented "now we know what it's like to be disabled" which has become ingrained in my mind since this event. By closing this staircase, viewers could only imagine the possibility, with many expressing their sincere understandings and support.  

Looking at these images, of a ramp lit up in the night, it's easy to envision a real ramp here, in this space.