Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through various mediums like painting, sculpture, music, dance, and digital media, art provides a platform for people to explore their identities, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the richness of human experience.
The Hari Seni Sentosa programme was recently created to promote accessibility in the arts while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among its participants. This inclusive space values and encourages all forms of artistic expression.
What made the event truly special was the involvement of about 40 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), who came together to bring this vision to life, making it a heartwarming and memorable experience.
Oragniser Omar Ariffin, and his wife, Suraya Nordin, collaborated with Janda Baik Festival and Nak Seni, to turn the art event into a reality.
The event was meticulously crafted to cater to the needs and talents of PWDs.
Omar's vision for Hari Seni Sentosa was all about inclusivity where art events often overlook the needs of PWDs.
The venue featured ramp installations, wide meandering paths, and spacious washrooms to ensure accessibility. "We set out to engage and build a PWD community through art, to foster a sense of belonging for them here at SJB. This can be their safe place for artistic expression and interaction," he explained.
He said one of the event's driving forces was Zhariff Afandi, the organiser of Janda Baik Festival and a partner in Hari Seni Sentosa.
"Take Zhariff Afandi for example, he's a driving force of nature. Being born without hands has not stopped him from living life to the fullest," he said.
Nak Seni is a group that aims to elevate the status of PWDs through art. In the event, Amani Shahrin of Nak Seni led the guest committee, ensuring PWD guests from various categories—physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities—were invited and had transportation and activities arranged.
The day's highlight was a meet-and-greet with singer Datuk Sheila Majid who not only performed but also shared her journey in the music industry, imparting lessons on self-esteem and discipline.
The event featured numerous workshops and activities, each designed to inspire and engage.
Self-taught artist Shazwani Rhosky Fadzir attended with her father, who has mobility issues due to a spinal injury. Shazwani, a PWD herself, cherished connecting with others and found Sheila's words especially inspiring.
"We need to trust ourselves, know our strengths, and enhance them," said Sheila.
Omar led the guests on a tour of the lush, sensory-rich grounds of SJB, from fragrant plants and tactile features to lily ponds with quacking ducks, the natural beauty was therapeutic.
The artifacts and exhibits in the wooden Malay houses-turned-galleries added to the enchanting atmosphere. Young PWD artist Aaina Farhanah proudly introduced her first solo exhibition, "Conteng," displaying 15 pieces of her artwork.
Participants enjoyed a botanical bundle dye workshop led by Masitah Babjan of Syiborisyd, using all-natural dyes. Each participant was given a blank cotton tote bag to dye, and the unraveling of the bundles revealed unique designs.
The event also featured a 'batik' workshop by Suria Artisan Batik. Low Mee Li, one of the participants, found the session pleasing and relaxing.
Meanwhile, Wan Mastura Wan Mahmood, who brought her 27-year-old daughter Ili Qistina Zulkiflee, praised the outdoor venue for making the event more interesting and calming.
Sound therapy was another highlight, with Zarul Albakri from OurBodySound conducting a half-hour sound journey.
Participants closed their eyes and focused on different sounds, from windchimes to flute trills. Zarul, whose mobility was affected by polio, discovered holistic methods including sound therapy on his path to healing.
"Sometimes we need a bit of help, such as the healing power of sound," he said.
Raja Iskandar Raja Mansur of #artattackingrajais introduced The Karung Guni Initiative, using gunny sacks as his art medium. Raja, who suffered a stroke eight years ago, found a powerful tool for transformation through art.
"The Karung Guni story mirrors my life journey as a PWD. I fell into deep bouts of depression, but through art, I discovered a way to redefine my identity," he said.