Major Disability Arts Festival Set to Engage And Inspire!

Major Disability Arts Festival Set to Engage And Inspire!

InterACT Disability Arts Festival 2015
21 – 23 October

Celebrating its 5th birthday in 2015, InterACT Disability Arts Festival returns again with an exciting array of free workshops and performances over three days from 21st– 23rd October at Corban Estates Arts Centre. Auckland is proving itself one of the most liveable cities with this diverse and inclusive festival; allowing even more people to engage with music, visual arts, dance, craft and more on a grass roots level.

This year’s theme ‘Around the World’ and its programme bring together over 200 devoted performers to celebrate and contribute to one of the most vibrant events on the disability calendar. Signature events such as the entertaining Gala Night and colourful Wearable Arts Parade,combined with participation from new and returning artists make this the strongest festival in five years.

The charming illustrator, musician and mental health advocate Johnny Angel will be hosting the main stage daytime line up this year. His struggle with mental illness encouraged him to create his own Samoan superhero comic – The Adventures of Afi. Legally blind songstress Caitlin Smith has graced the stage of Jazz festivals around New Zealand and overseas, her stunning voice and effervescent spirit is sure to make her an act not to miss. Successful circus artist Sarah Houbolt returns from Australia to bring InterACT audiences an excerpt from her full length show ‘Dangerous Bodies’. The quirky carnival narrative sees Sarah step into the shoes of historical freak show performer, Koo Koo the Bird Girl.

The workshop programming will see the return of Laughter Yoga, art and craftactivities and a Ministry of Education initiative; Learning outside of the Classroom- two hour workshops. Returning to InterACT this year are Wellington based duoTape-Art who create site specific murals out of nothing more than tape! Pioneers of the international Tape-Art movement, these highly regarded visual performance artists create interactive art experiences. They will be sharing their medium by inviting participants to help them create bracelets and accessories.

InterACT Disability Arts Festival celebrates and encourages the creative work from a diverse community of people, giving professional artists and performers a chance to engage with aspiring creatives in an inclusive environment. The festival aims also to showcase the incredible artistic talents of those within their community – artists who take it all in their stride and make important contributions to the wider arts community.

“InterACT Disability Arts Festival plays a significant part within the disabled community, bringing people together in a creative and inclusive space. I think this year’s programme really offers a taste of a wide variety of arts practice; music, visual art, dance, craft and more.”

Paula Crimmens, Festival Director

InterACT Disability Arts Festival takes place:
21st – 23rd October 2015,
Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426 Great North Road, Henderson
FREE ENTRY

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