Disability, Art-Enabled

1) We have witnessed some very fine works of art created by deft hands and feet by the people with disabilities. Unfortunately,

a] These art pieces do not get attention

b] The artists go unnoticed, ignored and disrespected too

c] They are often in the marginalized sector of the economy and can hardly manage their cost of living, medication and healthcare

d] Civil society needs to play a more responsive role and turn inclusive of the people with disabilities.

e] PWD and disabled artists well deserve recognition and economic independence, and should be able to earn through their gift of art.

f] There are budding young artists amongst PWD who, with a little focussed art training, could hone their skills better and be better prepared for the world of artists.

g] PWDs and their families are not geared up for project their works of art, to market/hold shows in prominent art galleries and seek a fair price for their creative works.

HeART BEAT Foundation, Chennai, has set its objectives to address these aspects one at a time, since its inception in April 2014. HeART BEAT Foundation, Chennai, has so far identified 5 specially-abled artists [4 from Chennai and 1 from Udhampur - J&K; 3 of them are self-taught, 1 holds a Bachelors in Arts and 1 a diploma in Art]

We have so far held 18 art shows in prominent art galleries, in Institutions, held talks and road shows at conventions, rotary meets to project:

1] Works of art of these 5 gifted artists

2] Projected their creativity, their undying spirit

3] Project short films on their dreams, on how they keep on working, beating all odds and physical disability

4] Raised over Rs 17 lacs through sale/exhibition

5] 100% sale proceeds are given to them

6] Art buyers get the 80G donor receipt and tax exemption benefits

7] Raised the image of these artists through interaction, media, having their presence at various inaugurals

8] We are in the process of creating a web-based e-commerce site to sell their works through easy payment gateway/logistics tie-up

9] Looking for a permanent display area of 1200 - 1500 sq ft where art lovers, in a perfect ambience, can see their art as well as watch short films on their life with 'Disability Art, Enabled'!.

10] Today, over 120 works of art are stored in cartons/wooden crates and safeguarded in homes of our relatives, friends and corporates. This is not an ideal situation as these works of art need to have more visibility.

11] This proposed art gallery will also be used as a 'multi-purpose centre of excellence in disability art' where members from PWD, their families and institutions/NGOs working in this area can gather and hold workshops in the area of 'Art Therapy'.

12] Like music therapy, we do believe that 'art therapy' can also be healing and productive to all concerned.

13] Such a venture will also turn out to be a vibrant place for all kinds of people to gather, mingle and create a healing environment for inclusiveness, a major need in the society.

Art by PWD will

a] get sold at a fair price

b] help them maintain, look after their medical needs, sustain life

c] help them gain their self-esteem/respect back

d] become a part of art therapy

e] see interaction with different groups in the disability sector and civic society for overall Inclusiveness.