The inaugural International Disability Art Festival 2024, hosted by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, will commence on Friday. Organized under the auspices of the British Council's DARE project, the festival marks a significant milestone in the integration of disability arts into mainstream cultural discourse.
The festival's inauguration, scheduled for 3 p.m., will feature an inclusive theater performance titled '71 in Silence,' paying homage to Bangladesh's liberation war. Distinguished guests including Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister of Social Welfare, and Matt Cannell, Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission in Bangladesh, will grace the occasion.
Nasir Uddin Yousuff, Founder of Dhaka Theatre, remarked on the collaborative efforts that have led to this milestone, emphasizing the dedication of disabled artists, trainers, and the British Council team.
David Knox, Director Programmes Bangladesh, British Council, highlighted the festival's significance in promoting diversity, creativity, and empowerment. He underscored the British Council's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and supporting the creative sector.
The festival, running on April 26 and 27, 2024, is the culmination of the DARE project initiated in 2019. Through partnerships with UK artists and organizations, the project aims to bridge societal divides and dispel stigmas associated with disability.
Theatre tickets are available for free online at www.dare-festival.com or at the venue during the festival dates.