Art mirrors the world, serving as a universal language that transcends borders and generations, uniting us in our shared humanity. With two-thirds of my career deeply rooted in arts and culture, I consider myself an arts enthusiast. Yet, I’ve come to realise that access to the arts is far from universal.
“What is important to me is not how to create a picture but how to live.” – Chng Seok Tin
In my journey to craft effective CSR (corporate social responsibility) and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) frameworks, I collaborated with Co:Creation Workshop as a Community Editor for their Our Time to Shine series.
This initiative celebrates the creative abilities of persons with disabilities by exploring accessible and adaptable art-making techniques. Through workshops, the project empowers participants with tools and knowledge to deepen their craft or explore new artistic expressions.
Despite advancements in adaptive art-making—through scaffolded learning, innovative materials, and digital tools—barriers remain. These barriers often prevent individuals from engaging with art in ways that resonate personally and meaningfully.
At its core, Our Time to Shine sought to redefine accessibility. By reimagining elements such as space, tools, and materials, the project created inclusive, transformative art experiences. The goal was to document and share these practices, offering insights that others could adopt in their own creative journeys.
It is with great pride that I introduce Dear All, a collection of reflections from participants of diverse backgrounds who joined the workshops. These narratives reveal how creative collaborations enrich artistic practice, address societal challenges, and foster a more inclusive world.
Creatives: Seasoned practitioners sharing their skills and facilitating learning.
Creative Collaborators: Individuals eager to cultivate their artistic practice but who face barriers in accessing resources.
“Whatever the medium, there is the difficulty, challenge, fascination, and often productive clumsiness of learning a new method: the wonderful puzzles and problems of translating with new materials.” – Helen Frankenthaler
From the outset, accessibility was our cornerstone. Each workshop illuminated nuanced challenges—for example, how traditional tools or inaccessible venues posed obstacles. Co:Creation responded with Accessibility Touchpoints that guided the project:
“The spaces in between are as important as the things themselves, like the spaces between musical notes.” – Kim Lim
One standout voice in this journey is Muhammad Hidayat, an inclusive theatre practitioner and accessibility consultant. Despite his vision impairment, Hidayat gained confidence through adaptive workshops. His essay, Arts and Accessibility is a Two-Way Bridge, emphasizes the collective effort needed to foster inclusivity.
Another compelling perspective comes from artist Mary Bernadette Lee, who served as Hidayat’s visual interpreter. In her reflection, Answering the Call: A Day as a Visual Interpreter, Mary delves into art’s power to connect and uplift communities.
Both Hidayat’s and Mary’s insights underscore the importance of customisable accessibility solutions: how can we ensure inclusivity while honoring individual needs?
In Creating Together: How Accessibility Fosters an Inclusive Society Through Art, Hayati Rahman demonstrates how adaptive practices enable engagement with traditional art forms, challenging societal norms and fostering empowerment.
Similarly, arts writer Euginia Tan’s article, Empowering Accessibility Through Customisation, reflects on her experience at Co:Creation’s printmaking workshop. She likens the process of crafting custom stamps to her father’s journey in adapting to customised hearing aids, underscoring the transformative potential of tailored solutions.
“Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.” – Keith Haring
Artist and educator Terence Tan offers another reflection in Inclusion Begins with You and Me, recounting a printmaking workshop he attended with his young daughter. He highlights the importance of community-led initiatives where participants shape their own experiences. His story of balancing professional duties with “papa duty” resonated with me as a fellow parent. The workshop’s openness to having a three-year-old participant embodied the spirit of inclusivity and joy.
“I give a little here, I give a little there, and I keep a little for myself…this is my daily reminder to be kind to others and to myself.” – Melvin Ong
Sadly, during this 8-week project, we lost one of our artists, Melvin Ong, to cancer. As a tribute, Co:Creation held a listening session for his collaborative sound artwork. In Resonating Memories: The Power of Sound in Remembering and Healing, research associate Sophy Tio explores the profound role of sound in preserving memories and fostering resilience.
As we navigate a rapidly evolving world, art remains a steadfast compass, guiding us toward empathy, understanding, and connection. This publication is a celebration of art’s transformative power, a tribute to the artists who light our path, and an invitation for you to explore, engage, and be inspired.
If you’d like to collaborate or share ideas, please reach out to [email protected].
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Sincerely,
Sharifah Shahirah
Community Editor
Sharifah Shahirah is a brand communications specialist with over 15 years of experience in arts, culture, and education. As an Adjunct Lecturer at Murdoch University and the Founder of KAJI+, she combines strategic insights with a passion for social impact, transforming brands and inspiring change.
