The Arts is for Everyone
An Inclusive Space for the Differently-Abled Arts Community
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The Arts is for Everyone
In conjunction with the International Day of Disabled Persons, Persatuan OKU Sentral organised and performed ILHAM 2022 at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre.
The concert line-up comprised of dancers such as OS Wheelies, Permata Gemalai Sari, Neranjan A/L Maniam from PPKI SMK Desa Perdana KL, Sayang Dancers and Low Mee Li & Orange of OS/ Beautiful Gate.
Singers included Umar Hasfizal and Eyelitz, with the President of Persatuan OKU Sentral, YB Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, herself headlining.
“Even though we are persons with disabilities (PWDs), we can do whatever we set our minds to. Through this concert, we celebrate one another,” shares the Senator.
She says concerts for PWDs are rare.
“No one is going to do it for you unless you do it yourself!” the representative voice for 4.9 million PWDs in her role in the Senate exclaims with gusto.
On her hopes for the community: she wishes people would understand that “We have our ups and downs, good and bad character traits…we are really no different from everyone else!”
Head of Arts & Public Spaces Zainariah Johari observes that PWDs were often allocated smaller or less lively stages and busking locations, something Hasanah aspires to change through supporting ILHAM.
“We recognise their extraordinary talent as creatives and want to normalise what others may see as disability,” she enthuses, epitomising the core intention of the impact area — that is making the arts mainstream and truly accessible to all.