Swatantra Festival: Art as a Medium of Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities
Etymologically, “Swatantra” means free, independent, and autonomous. This term was chosen as the theme for a community service activity to represent the spirit of inclusivity for persons with disabilities in art. Art is universal; it can be accessed, created, and appreciated by anyone, including persons with disabilities. Therefore, the concept of the universality of art should not remain within theoretical bounds but must be realized in concrete practice, offering equal opportunities for all individuals to express themselves.
In the discourse of art, persons with disabilities face various challenges. First, the appreciation of works by disabled artists is often not objective, as it is influenced by the artist’s disability background. The paradigm of viewing disability is dualistic, with simplification that reduces the individual’s potential and excessive glorification of their achievements. This phenomenon raises questions about the relevance of disability identity in the context of art.
Accessibility and empowerment for persons with disabilities in the arts remain significant challenges. Law No. 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities emphasizes that empowerment aims to foster potential so that individuals and groups of persons with disabilities can become independent. In the arts context, this empowerment must create equal access and opportunities, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not solely dependent on others but can actively participate as independent individuals.
In the spirit of inclusivity, freedom, and independence in the arts, the 2021 cohort of the Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Fine Arts Studies at UGM collaborated with Jogja Disability Arts to organize the Swatantra Festival. Jogja Disability Arts is an organization committed to the full participation and equality of persons with disabilities in the national and international arts and cultural scene. As part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, this festival is expected to serve as an accessible arts space while raising public awareness of art as a medium for socialization and inclusivity. This activity was led by Elgar Putrandhra and was held on November 5, 2022.