Abdülvekil Gök, Hatice Nur Kamalak
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The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate that individuals with visual disabilities can be fully and effectively included in artistic and creative fields. By doing so, the project seeks to challenge and dismantle persistent societal biases and misconceptions regarding the capabilities of visually impaired individuals. It is based on the conviction that art can serve as a powerful medium for inclusion, empowerment, and social transformation.
Throughout the six-month implementation period, a series of inclusive, engaging art-focused events were organized. Special emphasis was placed on disciplines such as marbling art and plaster workshops. These activities not only provided a platform for creative expression but also contributed to strengthening participants’ social integration and self-confidence. For two months, intensive workshops were conducted, led by experienced educators and supported by trained volunteers. Individualized technical and emotional assistance was ensured so that each participant could fully benefit from the experience and feel supported throughout the process. A core component of the project involved increasing societal awareness and interest in the artistic potential of visually impaired individuals. This was achieved through public exhibitions, awareness campaigns, and collaborative workshops that brought together both disabled and non-disabled participants. In this way, the project aimed to foster a more inclusive and empathetic cultural atmosphere by highlighting the creative achievements and artistic capabilities of visually impaired individuals.
The project engaged two primary groups. Initially, 15 young volunteers were trained through various preparatory workshops to ensure they were equipped to support the main target group. Following this phase, the volunteers assisted in identifying and working with 15 participants with visual disabilities. Together, they carried out three core activities focused on music, art, and motor skills development designed to facilitate personal expression, skill-building, and meaningful interaction between participants and volunteers. As the project progressed, the creative outputs, such as art materials and handmade accessories, were disseminated through social media and showcased to the project’s collaborators. These dissemination efforts not only raised visibility but also served as a preliminary step towards building economic sustainability by promoting the artistic work of the participants.
The project aimed to prove that art is not solely reliant on visual or physical faculties and that every individual, regardless of their ability, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to creative processes. By providing opportunities for visually impaired individuals to express themselves artistically with the support of instructors and volunteers, the project encouraged their social inclusion and personal growth. Furthermore, it aimed to break societal prejudices, foster empathy, and raise collective awareness about the inclusive and unifying power of art.
Beyond its direct impact on participants, the project also sought to initiate a broader dialogue on accessibility and inclusivity in the cultural and creative sectors. By involving community stakeholders, including local institutions, artists, and educators, the project promoted collaborative engagement and long-term commitment to inclusive practices. The visibility of visually impaired individuals as active contributors in public cultural spaces helped reshape community perceptions and encouraged institutions to reconsider the design and delivery of artistic programs.
