Cork inclusive arts group at wins global award at UN conference

An inclusive arts project from Cork has been recognised at the United Nations Zero Project Conference.

Suisha Inclusive Arts, a programme supported by Horizons, is one of just seven groups globally recognised at the inaugural competition, which took place recently in Austria.

The awards, which promote accessibility for and in the arts, acknowledged Suisha’s ‘Arts Access ID’ programme, which is a scheme that supports neurodiverse and intellectually disabled artists and audiences to fully participate in artistic and cultural life.

As part of the event, which attracted some 1,600 delegates, Suisha staged a dramatic protest-inspired performance, highlighting the challenges persons with an intellectual disability face in accessing their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Suisha also used the platform to deliver in-person presentations by artists Amy Begley and Eoin Nash, who highlighted a variety of challenges disabled artists face.

Solutions

Lorraine Egan, CEO of Horizons Cork, said hearing from and connecting with people from across the globe, who are implementing innovative human-centred solutions to make our world a better place, was “a profound experience”.

“The vibration of love, light, and energy throughout the three days was incredibly powerful,” Ms Egan said. 

“I am so proud of our Horizons Cork Suisha Arts initiative which won an award for their dedicated Inclusive Arts work, and grateful to Eoin Nash and the artists whose work is really showing the world what’s possible when every voice is heard.”

Mr Nash said he has dedicated his life’s work to “valuing intellectually disabled artists and their artistic ambitions”.

“This global Zero Project award builds on previous European Awards for our innovative work in this space,” Mr Nash said.

“It positions Suisha Inclusive Arts/Horizons as global leaders in the field of inclusive arts.

“My hope is that the value of arts and culture will be better recognised going forward.

“I am eager to share our processes with others within the arts and beyond to advance disability rights and meaningful access.”

For more information on the Suisha Inclusive Arts Programme, see  https://www.horizonscork.ie.