“We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
- N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
Art is for everyone. In fact, it may be the one thing that is accessible and understandable to all people spanning different cultures, ethnicities, beliefs and backgrounds. On the 3rd of October 2024, Arts of Accessibility @AYCKL was held in Mereka Space. The event was a successful day of art, creativity and community.
- Zimi’J is a band made up of four dashing, talented young men whose sound and aesthetic truly embrace the Rock N Roll spirit. Their performance spoke to audiences and was a great opening act to a day full of entertainment. Being a band composed of PWD musicians, it was powerful to see them on stage doing what they love.
- Edwin Nathaniel conducted a percussion drum workshop. Introducing to participants the Rhythmic Interactive Special Enabler (R.I.S.E.) Program, he used call-and-response to show that anyone has the potential to learn music regardless of previous level of knowledge, age or able-bodiedness. Staying true to the theme of accessibility in arts, this workshop is proof that music is for everyone.
- Nak Seni celebrates PWD artists by giving them a platform to sell and showcase their art. Scattered throughout the Mereka Space, it was wonderful to see an array of photography and paintings celebrating the artists’ culture and personal experiences.
- Parastoo Theatre is a theater group made up of Afghan refugees that believe in adopting the theatrical form, Theater of the Oppressed to create a deeper understanding about their experiences among Malaysians. Their brief showcase at Mereka was an excellent introduction to their work and served as an insight into the struggles of living as a refugee in Malaysia. Be sure to look out for their upcoming stage play, Behind Closed Doors!
- Pastel Worker ran an air-clay workshop, teaching participants how to use air-clay to make fridge magnets for their own homes or to gift to their loved ones. They got the chance to have fun, express themselves and bring home their artwork.
- Jessica Lynn & Band, as the headline act of the day, closed off the event with a riveting performance of their original country songs, showing how universal the genre is. Jessica Lynn talked to the audience about her experience touring around the world and her favorite things about Malaysia. When performing, her stage presence and the band’s lively energy brought the entire room to life and everyone dancing on their feet.
At heart, every kind of artform, be it music or visual art like painting and photography, is a way of communication. It is through art that we can grow and learn to understand each other better. By giving a platform to artists who are different from us, we will be able to gain a better understanding of who they are and their experiences.
