Arts For Accessibility: Empowering Pwd Artists Through Creativity And Inclusion

Naveen Prabu A/L Kuppusamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The “Arts for Accessibility” event at the American Youth Corner Kuala Lumpur (AYCKL) recently has brought together talented artists from disabled and refugee communities, showcasing their creativity and promoting inclusion through the arts.

Held at the ME.REKA event space in Publika Shopping Gallery from Sept 30 to Oct 3, the event concluded with a special programme that featured captivating performances and engaging activities.

Among the highlights were a performance by Zimi J, a Malaysian band composed of five musicians with high-functioning autism, and a workshop led by Edwin Nathaniel, a drummer specialising in working with individuals with disabilities by utilising the Rhythmic Interactive Special Enabler (RISE) programme to encourage expressions through music.

Refugee theatre group Parastoo delivered a poignant short monologue focused on the lives of refugees, leading to an question and answer session that encouraged dialogue about the challenges faced by displaced individuals.

Another highlight of the event was a talk by American country music artiste Jennifer Lynn, who participated under the United States (US) Arts Envoy programme.

In her speech, she emphasised the vital role of art in cultivating connections and enhancing understanding among diverse communities and the power of believing in oneself to achieve goals in life.

The US Arts Envoy programme, an initiative of the US Department of State, sends American artistes and cultural leaders abroad to engage with international audiences and foster mutual understanding through the arts, promoting cultural diplomacy by showcasing the diverse artistic talents of the US and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues.

Meanwhile, Aneem Aida, who has Achondroplasia Dwarfism and stands at 122 cm tall, delivered a slideshow presentation discussing 'Nak Seni’, a Malaysian arts initiative dedicated to promoting and supporting artists with disabilities (PWD) in Malaysia.

‘Nak Seni’ is derived from the Malay words 'Anak Seni,' which translates to 'Children of Art,' with the term 'Nak' signifying the 'need' or 'desire' for art in everyday life and reflecting the child-like wonder and imagination that artists possess, regardless of their age.

The art exhibition featured an array of stunning works by PWD artists, each piece reflecting unique perspectives and stories that resonate deeply within the community.

The event was also attended by former senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, president of OKU Sentral, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of PWDs.

-- BERNAMA