Artists with disabilities shape inclusive arts festival in Singapore
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Artists with disabilities in Singapore are co-creating experiences for the Shaping Hearts festival, allowing visitors to understand life from their perspectives.
The North East Community Development Council (NE CDC) launched the sixth edition of the festival on September 13, centering the work of disabled artists beyond traditional exhibitions. Artists like Janetta Tan, paralysed in 2010, hope increased awareness will lead to more support for artists with disabilities and greater independence for people in the community.
The festival features four playgrounds, Texture, Motion, Rhythm, and Visual, designed with input from artists who share how they navigate the world. For example, visually impaired artist Katy Lee guided volunteers in creating textured blocks to help visitors experience the world through touch. Mayor Baey Yam Keng explained that this approach moves beyond simply displaying art to involving artists in the creative process itself.
Shaping Hearts 2026 also introduced Playdate@PDD, a platform with 16 inclusive play booths designed to connect artists with disabilities and the wider community. The NE CDC plans to expand this initiative to 80 booths across the North East District, aiming to integrate inclusion into everyday life. Tan believes this visibility will highlight the talents and contributions of people with disabilities, shifting perceptions from needing help to offering skills.
