Celebrating creativity and inclusion in Cyprus

Bringing together artists and advocates from across Europe, the European Art and Culture Disability Festival lit up Larnaka in November.

Bringing together artists, performers, and advocates from across Europe, the European Art and Culture Disability Festival lit up Larnaka, Cyprus, from 1-5 November 2024. The festival was a vibrant celebration of creativity and resilience, putting the talents of individuals with disabilities centre stage.

Organised by Neofytos Cultural Organisation, member of the EASPD Arts and Culture Member Forum, the festival was about showcasing art and breaking barriers. Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and discussions, participants explored how culture can foster inclusion and accessibility. The event also equipped attendees with practical tools to promote accessibility in their own communities.

Highlights of the Festival

A standout moment was the “DIS and DIS Young” exhibition, where powerful artworks by artists with disabilities took the spotlight. The festival also featured theatrical performances, like “Persephone, Goddess of the Seasons” by EASPD member Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door.

Interactive workshops promoted hands-on learning and collaboration. To ensure the festival was truly inclusive, accessibility features such as sign language interpretation and audio guides were integrated throughout the event.

Building Networks and Sharing Perspectives

The festival brought togetherthe expertise of members of the Arts and Culture Member Forum, including the Cope Foundation from Ireland, Cerebral Palsy/Open Door Greece, To Ergastiri from Greece, ALMA Panhellenic Association of Adapted Activities from Greece, and Signes De Sens from France. It was not just a celebration of art but also a space for intercultural dialogue and professional networking.

Closing Workshop on Art and Inclusion

The event wrapped up with an Erasmus+ workshop dedicated to discussing art and inclusion, where participants shared ideas and best practices. It reinforced the importance of creative expression as a tool for empathy and social inclusion.

Voices from the Festival

Neofytos Cultural Organisation: "This festival was a unique opportunity to showcase the talents of artists with disabilities and to redefine inclusion in the cultural sector."

ALMA Panhellenic Association of Adapted Activities: "It was a pleasure to participate in the DIS Art and Culture Disability Festival in Larnaka. We learnt a lot about art, culture, social inclusion, and diversity. Meeting people from different countries sparked cultural dialogues that inspired new ideas and future collaborations."

A Lasting Impact

The European Art and Culture Disability Festival proved that the arts can break down barriers and build more inclusive communities. By blending creativity with accessibility, the festival demonstrated the transformative power of art in fostering empathy and inclusion.