Tainan art festival focuses on inclusive arts to promote diversity and accessibility
台南藝術節聚焦包容性藝術，促進多樣化與親和力
| Island Inclusive Arts Festival showcasing dance performances, workshops, and visual exhibitions
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Island Inclusive Arts Festival, organized by the Resident Island Dance Theatre (RIDT), is being held in Tainan from Oct. 15-27 to raise awareness for diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility issues. Now in its second year, the event is themed “Boundaries of Freedom.” Inclusive dance performances, workshops, lectures, and visual exhibitions are being showcased during the festival. The festival aims to challenge stereotypes, break down social barriers, and turn boundaries into opportunities for creativity and positive change. By creating a platform for equal exchange and creative expression, the festival hopes to foster a deeper understanding of inclusivity within society. Inclusive arts is a creative process that ensures everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, has equal access to the arts. This includes the disabled and the mentally ill, according to Art Access Victoria. Over 1.2 million people, or more than 5% of Taiwan's population, are registered as disabled. This number has been steadily increasing, with a year-over-year growth rate of 1% and a 2.4% increase since 2016. Of this population, nearly 45% are aged 65 and over. As Taiwan becomes an increasingly aged society, it is becoming more crucial to address the specific needs and challenges faced by this growing demographic of disabled elderly individuals. A highlight of this year's festival is the participation of American-Asian disabled musician Carina Ho. In addition to conducting workshops and lectures, Ho will collaborate with the RIDT to create a major program, “Eternal City.” The RIDT was founded by Pingtung's visually impaired choreographer Chang Chung-an (張忠安). Since its establishment in 2010, the group has been committed to integrating social and cultural issues into its works. |
|
| Charlotte Lee, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2024-10-27 |
