Your progress
0%
Here are some of the key ideas you will need to understand in this module.
Use your mouse or keyboard to expand each of the headings below.
There are many ways in which people with disabilities can be included in the cultural and artistic life of their families and communities. They can be active participants, by being directly involved in:
They can also be passive participants or spectators, by watching and enjoying a drama or film, or wearing traditional dress.
Participation in cultural and artistic activities not only entertains but also teaches individuals about who they are. The process of participating can be empowering by helping them find their own voice and be heard by others. Performers may also receive payment for their performance.
It also has many health benefits. For some people with disabilities, cultural and arts based activities may be the only means through which they can fully represent themselves on their own terms and on an equal basis with others.
The arts have traditionally been seen as a non-violent way for people to challenge and question oppressive or discriminatory practices. Often, it is one of the few safe avenues where marginalized people can find a voice and highlight sensitive or taboo subjects. People with disabilities have often used the arts to challenge mainstream representations of disability issues. Art can be a means for people with disabilities to portray a more inclusive way of looking at the world.
See how a group of people with disabilities used an art exhibit in Bangladesh to highlight the challenges they face in everyday life.
The successful Seeing in the Dark art exhibition took place at the Dhrupad Gallery in Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 2003. The exhibition was a joint collaboration between Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV) and Healthlink Worldwide as part of a communicating-for-advocacy project.
A working group of 25 people with visual impairments, five with physical impairments, and an international artist were involved in creating the exhibition. It was more than just an art exhibition; it simulated the barriers faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives. The Gallery was plunged into complete darkness and Dhaka life was recreated through sound and touch, complete with rickshaws, gardens, sidewalks and shops. Visitors were invited to move around as blind guides led the way.
After experiencing the exhibition visitors were encouraged to write their impressions, thoughts and feedback on a graffiti wall.
In many countries, people with disabilities have turned to the arts as a way of:
Theatre, dance, literature and the visual arts have all been used to promote the human rights approach to disability. Signed song, wheelchair dance and other innovative forms have sprung up from creative individuals and groups in the community.
Among people who experience mental health problems, writing, acting and the visual arts can be powerful tools for expressing feelings and sharing experiences.
Many artists with disabilities have achieved national and international recognition, and in doing so have created greater awareness about disability and become inspirational role models. Many artists also invest their talents and energy in supporting inclusive community development.
Learn about Messengers of Peace and how they help to spread awareness of disabilities.
On 3 December 2009 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities), the United Nations named well-known singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on people with disabilities.
Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of art, academia, literature, sports and entertainment, and helping to raise awareness of the UN’s ideals and activities. Through their public appearances, contacts with international media and humanitarian work, they expand public understanding of how the UN helps to improve the lives of people everywhere.
