Public discussion: The Arts & Disability
When: Thursday 9 May 2013
Time: 5.30 – 7pm
Where: Book Cafe, 139 Samora Machel Ave/6th Street, Harare
On Thursday 9 May the popular arts hub, THE BOOK CAFE once again offers a platform and opens its doors for a free public discussion on THE ARTS & DISABILITY.
An initiative of the budding organisation ‘SIGNS OF HOPE’ the discussion brings together Zimbabwean musicians, singers and actors to examine the question “How do artists view and engage with the disabled through their art?”
Gone are the days when people with disabilities were secluded in private corners and excluded from social, educational and political activities. In Zimbabwe, like anywhere in the world, huge strides have been made as the nation produces excellent lawyers, teachers, activists, artists and sportspeople with disabilities who are excelling in their fields and making a difference in society. Compared with the western world however, we are still far behind, in terms of facilities and general perception of people with disabilities, and their inclusion and participation in nation building. Everyone has a role to play in society, and the discussion aims to raise awareness among the public in general and artists and arts practitioners in particular, about how the arts can contribute to attitude change in society, the gender perspective, and where the links might be.
Speakers include the acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Victor Kunonga who is active in this arena, working on projects with the St Giles Rehabilitation Centre; afrojazz singer/songwriter Dudu Manhenga, and Daniel Maphosa of Savannah Trust, working in theatre development. Masimba Kuchera will speak from the perspective of people with disabilities, and the discussion will be moderated by Thomas Deve.
The discussion is free and all people are welcome. Artists are specially invited to participate and gain a deeper awareness of the issues concerned.