Australia's first international arts and disability festival launched

IFACCA/Artshub, 19 September 2003, Australia

Australia’s first international arts and disability festival will be held from November 16-23 in Brisbane, showcasing the talents of over 300 artists from 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific. Wataboshi Festival Brisbane 2003, Living the Dream, holds David Helfgott as its international ambassador and was launched yesterday in Brisbane by Queensland Minister for the Arts, Matt Foley. Beginning in the Japanese city of Nara in 1976, this is the first time the festival will be held outside of Asia. Queensland Minister for Disability Services, Judy Spence, said it is a great achievement for artists of all abilities to take part in an international showcase. ‘While this festival is an expression of disability culture, it is truly a celebration of ability and inclusion,’ said Minister Spence. ‘It is a unique opportunity for Queenslanders to be part of the global village right on our doorstep.’ The festival is named after the Japanese term for the seed of the dandelion flower. Like the ‘wataboshi’ carried by the wind, the festival seeks to share and convey a message of peace and harmony throughout the world. Each festival is intended to strengthen people from the general community as well as the disability sector in a celebration of music and performance of all abilities. Over the eight day celebration, 300 performers from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Australia will present more than 80 daytime and evening performances. These will include classical and contemporary music concerts, special recording launches, world premieres of theatrical performances, comedy, cabaret, literature, visual arts exhibitions, workshops and forums, free lunchtime concerts and evening jam sessions. For further information, email info@accessarts.org.au.

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