The third annual Arts and Disability Forum is back, and featured an artist born in Singapore who uses his theater performances as a way to raise awareness of people with disabilities in the creative world.
Ramesh Meyyappan works in the theater, but it’s not until after a performance that he lets the audience know he is also deaf. He says this is important to him so that people can first appreciate the art without having any preconceived notions about his disability. That way, his art can stand on its own before people think about it in relation to his being deaf.
Meyyappan was among the speakers in this year’s Arts and Disability forum held in Singapore. The focus was perceptions about people with disabilities as well as creating opportunities for them in the art world. Other events as a part of the forum included panel talks and workshops that attendees could participate in and learn from interacting with. Experts in art and disabilities from around the world took part in the forum, which spanned two days. Goals included removing barriers to people who have disabilities participating in the creative world.
With so many experts in one place, they also aim to creative pipelines and make connections to benefit creative minds and disabled individuals. Since they are working together, the experts can help promote those people in the sector to enjoy more success in the arts world. Already, though, there are signs that Singapore is creating more chances for disabled individuals to take part in the art world. One is that National Gallery Singapore offers tours with experts in sign language so that deaf individuals can understand the information being imparted. The National Arts Council also gives funding to groups that promote arts initiatives for everyone, disabled individuals included.
Art is a wonderful way to bring all different types of people together. Whether you’re creating art that helps you relate to someone from a different lifestyle from you or taking part in a creative workshop that helps you draw similarities between yourself and other people that you might not have otherwise realized, art has the power of uniting people from all sort of backgrounds. Consider expanding your horizons by signing up for an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to see an exhaustive listing of different art classes available for enrollment, including oil pastel drawing, pointillism painting, nail art, miniature painting, recycled art, and many more classes. Our expert teachers can work with students of all ages and abilities, so it doesn’t matter if you qualify as a disabled individual or don’t have much experience in art. You will learn the skills necessary to complete the projects you’re most interested in. Art teachers can also meet you in the comfort of your own home.
To read more about Ramesh Meyyappan’s art and life, as well as the Arts and Disability Forum, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bridging-the-gap-between-arts-and-disability.