Artscape's Accessibility Festival: celebrating artists with disabilities

Artscape announced its inaugural Accessibility Festival, running from 3 to 6 December, in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This festival aims to celebrate and uplift the voices of artists with disabilities, aligning with this year’s IDPD theme: ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of artistic talent, creativity, and community engagement.

December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a significant occasion for reflection on the progress society has made toward inclusivity and accessibility. Artscape invites patrons to immerse themselves in a dynamic programme focused on the artistry and experiences of individuals with disabilities, providing a platform for often-overlooked narratives to emerge.

The festival kicks off with the Artscape Accessibility Concert from 17:00 to 18:00, hosted by award-winning TV producer and Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, Jabaar Mohamed. Featured performances will include musicians, dancers, poets, and actors, notably:

• Nikita Scott, Jahier Samsodien, and Charne Hugo, all singers in wheelchairs;
• Dumisa Maksoka, an opera singer;
• PJ Durr, a blind guitarist and singer;
• St Joseph’s Special School Choir;
• Dominican School for Deaf Children dance group;
• Alta du Toit School Marimba Band;
• Dance for All’s wheelchair ballroom dancers;
• A screening of the short musical documentary film Amigo the Griot by Kurt Orderson, featuring the blind rapper Mario Laaistock;
• A thought-provoking two-hander drama by visually impaired artists Ezra Bali and Zipho.

The Accessibility Concert is free, but booking is essential via Webtickets to ensure a seat at this groundbreaking event.

Additionally, the Expressions in Motion Crafti Creations Youth Art Exhibition will open at 18:30 on the same day and run until 13 January 2026 in the Marble Extension Foyer. With the theme ‘Movement, Growth, and Transformation’, the exhibition will display the artworks of children and young people from Wellington, aged 6 to 18, featuring a collaborative mural created by the talented young learners.

At 19:30 on 3 December, theatre-goers can enjoy REMO, an inspiring one-man performance by breakdancer Rameez Cassiem that shares his incredible journey of survival, resilience, and hope. Tickets to REMO are R100 and can also be purchased through Webtickets.

On 6 December, the festival continues with Fashionability, the Alta du Toit Fashion Show. This inclusive fashion experience will celebrate disability pride with models from Alta du Toit and the Innovation of the Blind showcasing stunning garments designed by the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion and De Villiers Royal Couture. This fashion event serves as a powerful reminder that beauty, confidence, and style belong to everyone, regardless of ability.

Artscape is committed to creating a space that champions diversity, creativity, and inclusive storytelling. The Accessibility Festival is made possible through the generous support of the City of Cape Town, the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and the National Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. Artscape welcomes everyone to join and celebrate this essential journey towards visibility and representation.

Booking for all events is available through Webtickets. For further information, please visit www.artscape.co.za.