Sambhav Festival Celebrates Disability Through Global Art and Music
A three-day festival celebrating the talents of persons with disabilities took place in New Delhi from 30 November to 2 December. Sambhav, organized by the Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action, brought together over 150 participants from 12 countries. The event featured concerts, art exhibitions, and professional workshops focused on inclusive growth through the arts.
Founded in 2006 by Alpana Nayak, Sambhav has long championed the use of arts to support individuals with disabilities. This year's edition included live performances by children and young people with conditions such as autism, visual and hearing impairments, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Among the highlights was a concert by Malaysian band Zimi J, formed in 2018, which performed original songs like Short And Sweet and Hello Malaysia by guitarist and vocalist Joshua Daniel Johnson.
The festival also hosted a music therapy session called Rise, led by the Aseana Percussion Unit (APU). Participants created rhythms using percussion instruments and everyday objects, encouraging self-expression and skill-building. APU's approach aligns with Rhythm Therapy, a method developed by Adrian Lee, founder of Music Mart (MM) in Petaling Jaya. Lee's music school teaches both neurotypical students and those with autism, offering lessons in drums, keyboard, and guitar.
Alongside performances, Sambhav showcased artwork by individuals with special needs, including paintings, sculptures, and woven crafts. Professional talks were held for practitioners in dance therapy, music therapy, and mental health, providing tools for working with diverse abilities.
The event concluded with a focus on creativity as a means of empowerment. Over 150 attendees engaged in performances, workshops, and exhibitions designed to promote inclusion. Sambhav's 2023 edition reinforced its mission to support individuals with disabilities through artistic expression and community collaboration.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
- Financial Aid Initiatives for Ukraine Through ERA Loans
