By Bridget Ikyado
Artists and Creative with disabilities have called on government and stakeholders in the Arts and creative industry .
They noted that it would enable them effective inclusion and opportunities to contribute their quota to nation building.
They made the call at a focus group discussion where over fifty persons with disabilities participated in the forum in Abuja.
The Director Potters Gallery Initiative, Mr Donald Unanka said the initiative was borne out of the need to give a sense of belonging to members of the disability community who are highly marginalized in the Arts and Creative Industry.
Mr Unanka who stressed the need for the full implementation of the Disability Act, called for policies and programmes for integration and market opportunities for members.
“We have talented youths,who are will to develop the arts and creative industry.
” At this point full implementation of the disability Act, will further push our voices louder
“People with disability have abilities,and are will to display this for the growth of the nations economy”, he said.
Some of the Artists and creatives with disabilities Miss Aver Akighir and Mr Musa Muazu who decried the stigmatization faced by members, expressed optimism that with constant engagement and programmes by all stakeholders.
They said they would be more market opportunities in the creative industry.
They appealed to the media to help in the fight against stigmatization, but fair and equal treatment,especially where they could deliver effectively.
The focus group discussion which was organized by a disability Art group, the Potters Gallery Initiative and supported by UNESCO Diversity of Cultural Expressions, International Fund for Cultural Diversity was to galvanize support and create enabling environment for persons with disabilities to exhibit their potential and strive in the Arts and Creative Industry.