From exclusion to acceptance: How art can contribute to inclusion

"From exclusion to acceptance: how art can contribute to inclusion" is an elementary and very up -to -date topic that shows how art promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Germany.

Through cultural projects and artistic experiences, art a new educational approach and creates spaces for contact and participation . Music , theater and other artistic media offer a unique platform to reduce the barriers and celebrate the diversity of our society.

Inclusion in art is the way in which humans express their own cultural identity and actively promote the development of an inclusive culture.

How can art promote inclusion?

Art has the unique ability to promote inclusion and to involve people with various restrictions. In Germany there are numerous projects and initiatives that aim to create an inclusive art scene. It is not just about physical restrictions, but also about sensory, cognitive or psychological differences that people can have.

Art enables them to express their experiences and perspectives and establish a connection to society. Through contact with artistic media such as music, theater or visual arts, people with disabilities can experience participation and significant cultural experiences.

The artistic expression enables you to express dreams, feelings and thoughts in your own way, which leads to a deeper understanding and greater acceptance of diversity. Art thus offers a space in which people with disabilities can develop their creativity and skills in order to create a more inclusive society.

In the following sections we will take a closer look at how art can support people with restrictions and what current challenges in the art world must be countered to promote inclusive culture

What is inclusion?

Inclusion, a central concept in modern society, also plays an increasingly important role in art. But what exactly is inclusion?

Inclusion refers to a socio -political idea that aims to share all people in an equal footing in all areas of society, regardless of their individual skills, restrictions or origin.

In art , inclusion means that people with disabilities, be it physically or mentally, can actively participate in the artistic creative process and their works are presented in the cultural public.

In Germany, especially in metropolitan regions, a lively inclusive art scene has developed, which brings together people with and without disabilities as well as different artistic forms of expression such as music, theater and visual art.

This not only enables those affected a new form of self -development and participation in cultural life, but also helps to reduce existing prejudices and barriers. The contact and dealing with inclusive art gains new experiences and raise awareness of the needs and potential of people with disabilities.

Inclusion in art therefore means not only an expansion of the cultural offer, but also a social enrichment and a statement for a diverse and inclusive culture.

How can art support people with restrictions and contribute to inclusion?

Art plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and support for people with restrictions. By breaking down barriers and creating new ways of communication and participation, it enables equal participation in society.

Inclusion in art means that people with disabilities have the opportunity to bring their own experiences, ideas and perspectives into artistic forms of expression.

An example of including art projects can be found in Berlin. There are numerous initiatives and events here that give people with restrictions the opportunity to express themselves artistically and to develop their talents. By working with professional artists, you can further develop your artistic skills and take part in exhibitions, performances and other artistic projects.

This not only promotes their artistic skills, but also strengthened their self -esteem and promoted their social participation. Art can also help to overcome prejudices and stereotypes via people with disabilities. By offering a platform for the exchange and dialogue between people of different backgrounds and skills, prejudices are broken down and a greater understanding and greater acceptance are achieved.

Through artistic representations of inclusion and diversity, alternative narratives are created that contribute to a more inclusive understanding of culture and society.

Status quo in dealing with exclusion and injustice in the art world

The current handling of exclusion and injustice in the art world has increasingly gained attention in recent years. It is undeniable that people with disabilities in Germany and worldwide are still faced with numerous barriers and prejudices when it comes to their participation in cultural life and the art scene.

Often your experiences and perspectives in the art world are not adequately taken into account , which leads to further exclusion and injustice.

European study situation: Information on a low participation of people with disabilities in art and culture

A comprehensive examination of the literature on obstacles and facilitations for the social participation of people with disabilities in Europe showed that questions of labor market participation are in the foreground. Only two of the 37 identified articles focused on participation in art (dance, theater and other cultural activities). The two researchers Mesquita and Carneiro (2016) point out that research on the cultural participation of people with disabilities has increased, but is still poor.

In this context, data on cultural participation and access to cultural institutions for people with disabilities are also lacking and we need further measures to improve access. With regard to blind or people with visual impairments, a survey by the European Blind Union (2012: 7) showed that research "in the cultural area hardly takes into account people with disabilities, which makes this group invisible" (see Barriers and Facilitators to Cultural Partical Particel with disabilities: a narrative literature review , scandinavian journal of disability Research).

There are some studies on the participation rates in the cultural sector. In general, they draw a dark picture and indicate low participation rates of people with disabilities both among both the audience and the author. A survey showed that the proportion of adults with many years of illness or disability that have been artistically involved in England has risen since 2005/06, but the commitment rates in 2015/16 were lower (72.9 %). than that of other adults (77.5 %).

Reports from other countries also indicate that cultural institutions are not barrier -free or that the participation rates of people with disabilities are lower compared to the rest of the population.

The proportion of people with disabilities as cultural workers - artists or cultural producers - is also low. Preliminary results of a Europe -wide survey in the acting arts show that the knowledge and experience of artists are limited with disabilities and their works (British Council 2021).

Differences are determined between the art forms, whereby theater, dance and combined arts do better than music and visual art (Arts Council England 2017: 16). Since the art sector is in a crisis due to the Covid 19 pandemic (UNESCO 2021), the employment rates of people with disabilities in art have probably deteriorated (Gentry 2021; Idea Consult et al. 2021).

In the gratifying contrast to this, Arts & Disability Ireland (Maitland 2017) found that people with disabilities in Ireland visited an art event last year than the total population.

Author Laura Gehlhaar about a foroneaousness in our society

The term “disposableism” is mentioned several times in the subsequent lines. This term describes a form of discrimination in which people with disabilities are disadvantaged due to unequal treatment, violation of limits and stereotypical allocations. The term is derived from the English "Angeism", emerged from "to be able" (= German to be capable) and the ending –ism (= German: Ismus). "Angeism" should remind of the English term "racism" (= German racism).

In an interview with the star, the young author and consultant Laura Gehlhaar sums up the experienced disposable in our society as follows:

People with disabilities do not take place in the middle of our society "

Laura Gehlhaar has been in a wheelchair since she was 23, but her disability has no problems. Rather, it is the everyday discrimination that burdens them.

In an interview with the Stern Reporter, the author and consultant tells of exclusion, stupid comments and uncertainties. When Laura advises companies, she often hears that no disabled people would apply. In the private environment, many admit that they would like to have contact, but they hardly see any people with disabilities in everyday life.

Laura has a clear answer to the question of why: People with disabilities are structurally excluded . In all areas of life, there is a lack of accessibility and this leads to this exclusion.

Laura knows what she's talking about. During her school days at the high school, Laura's muscle weakness became noticeable and she was bullied by other students. The teachers recommended that she switch to a special school where she would have been among her peers. But the bullied was declared a problem and should be sent away. However, Laura remained steadfast and graduated.

After graduating from high school, she wanted to become an actress, but there was no barrier -free drama school in Germany . When she was interested in studying psychology, she was advised to train as an office clerk. Laura was stunned by the question of how she could help other people if she needed help herself. Nowadays Laura can laugh about her history because she was not put off at the time and still studied psychology and social pedagogy in the Netherlands.

The social perception of people with disabilities is shaped by social attributions such as "hero" or "suffering" . One reason for this is the one -sided reporting of the media about them, but without actively talking to them. Laura explains that this promotes thoughts.

Laura only became aware after her studies and during her life in Berlin that she had to exchange ideas with other people affected. In contact with them, she recognized and learned discrimination to verbally express them. Today she talks significantly about the dash and campaigns for a fair representation of people with disabilities.

What is normal? Outsiders in art

The kind of brood and outsider art are two other key terms, which you meet again and again in the context of art and people with disabilities.

The "Museum van de Geest" in Amsterdam and Haarlem was appointed the European Museum of 2022 . It asks an important question:

What is normal? "

The exhibitions present outsid art , which invites visitors to a journey into the deepest abysses of the human soul. "Twist" visits the museum and introduces artists who give us an insight into their innermost thoughts and feelings.

In the Amsterdam Hermitage there is the only collection of Outsider Art in the Netherlands. The historic building of the Haarlem Dolhuys, on the other hand, invites us to travel. It housed people who were excluded from society for over 700 years, including leprosy, leper, prostitutes and, above all, mentally and mentally ill. Today, this museum is about the enormous artistic potential of these people.

In addition, the art of two locksmiths, Erwin Hapke and Heinz Henschel, which is exhibited in the Kevelaer Museum in Lower Rhine, are presented. Both worked withdrawn and without any connection to the art world. It was only after her death that her heirs discovered the unique art world that they left.

Then the Twist team Candoco the rehearsals of her latest piece in London. The Compagnie has been producing unique stage programs and dance films for over 30 years, in which professional dancers appear: inside with and without impairments. And finally we see Jean-Luc Johannet in Blois in French in the video contribution. The architect studied has been building fantastic objects and living sculptures for himself for decades and describes himself as "anarchitecte" .

For Melanie Schmitt, the names art brood , art cru or outsider art of little importance. The art historian and therapist heads the "Kunsthaus Kaethe: K" in Pulheim near Cologne, an initiative of the Gold-Krämer Foundation , in which eleven people live and work with cognitive needs.

Since 2020 you have had the opportunity to work creatively in the studios of the Kunsthaus and to develop your artistic potential. Melanie Schmitt emphasizes that she and her team are concerned with creating the prerequisites for the artistic work of the people and raising her creative potential.

Why is it important to think inclusive when it comes to culture?

Inclusion in art is an important facet that not only affects people with disabilities, but also includes the whole society. When it comes to culture, it is crucial to think and act inclusive. Why is that? Because inclusion forms the foundation of a just society in which every person can participate equally independently of their abilities, origin or their cultural character.

Inclusion means that barriers are broken down, be it in the form of physical obstacles or prejudices and stereotypes. Culture plays a central role in the design of identity, community and communication. It shapes our perception and influences how we see ourselves and others.

It is therefore of great importance that the cultural landscape becomes more inclusive to reflect the diversity of our society. Including art creates spaces in which people come together different backgrounds and experiences to learn together, communicate and bring in their individual perspectives. It promotes intercultural dialogue and enables us to look at the world from different perspectives.

Through including art projects and actions, people with disabilities can develop their talents and skills and find their voices heard. The artists have the opportunity to overcome barriers and discover new forms of expression. Including artistic projects also enable the contact between different cultural communities and offer space for mutual understanding and empathy.

Inclusive thinking in terms of culture also requires a redesign of the educational and media landscape . It is important that people with disabilities are represented in the media and tell their stories. In addition, educational institutions should be accessible to everyone and reflect the diversity of our society.

The general upswing of inclusive art projects that have arisen throughout Germany is remarkable. These projects pursue the goal of reducing barriers and prejudices against people with disabilities in the art world and creating an integrative and inclusive culture.

The artistic activities range from inclusive theater performances to music and media projects that bring people together with and without disabilities and promote exchange and participation. The sensitization and education plays an important role in this. Through educational work and workshops, attempts are made to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion in art in society.

Overall, inclusive thinking in terms of culture is essential to create a fair and inclusive society.

How can artists help create a more inclusive society?

Artists have the unique ability to combine people with their art and break barriers. By creating works of art that deal with the topic of inclusion and involve people with various restrictions, you can contribute to creating an inclusive society.

In many German cities there are countless projects that make art and culture accessible to people with disabilities. These projects not only offer artistic activities, but also promote exchange and participation in cultural life.

In addition, the media also play an important role in promoting inclusion in art. The reporting on including art campaigns and projects sharpens public perception and raised awareness of the importance of inclusion.

By creating works of art that are inspired by the variety of human experiences, artists can help reduce barriers and to raise awareness of inclusion. It is important that artists, regardless of their background or their artistic training, recognize the importance of inclusion in art and actively campaign for a more inclusive society.

How to support people to accept themselves and accept others

An important aspect of inclusion in art is the support of people to accept themselves and accept others. Especially in a society in which exclusion and injustice are still present, it is essential to create a culture of cooperation.

People who live with disabilities often have to struggle with prejudices and barriers that make it difficult for them to live a confident and fulfilling life. Art can make a significant contribution here by creating rooms in which all people can bring in their own experiences, interests and talents.

Artists across Germany are increasingly committed to including art projects in which people with different backgrounds and skills come together and work together artistically.

What can I do for inclusion?

There are various ways for inclusion how you can be active. An important measure is the awareness and education of people about the topic of inclusion. For example, you can organize lectures or information events in your community or at schools in order to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion.

In addition, you can also get involved in clubs or organizations that work for the rights of people with disabilities. Here you can bring your energy and skills to support projects and actions to promote inclusion.

Another important step is to actively participate in social activities and the creation of an inclusive environment. For example, you can make sure in your neighborhood or at the workplace that people with disabilities can take part in an equal footing and barriers are broken down.

If you are a manager yourself, you can make sure that your company or organization including practices and politics will be implemented. This could include, for example, the creation of barrier -free jobs or the introduction of inclusive personnel policy.

Last but not least, it is important that you address the topic of inclusion in your personal environment and promote an inclusive society. Go open to people with disabilities, listen to them and support their needs and rights.

Overall, there are many options for how you can work for inclusion. Every small contribution counts and contributes to creating an inclusive society in which all people can participate equally.

Examples of including art campaigns and projects

Inclusion in art shows in various actions and projects that bring people together with and without disabilities and enable their artistic participation. An example of this is the “Art for All” in Berlin, which offers people with different physical and mental restrictions the opportunity to express themselves creatively and create their own works of art.

Special workshops and courses provide you with artistic techniques and you can incorporate your experiences and stories into your works.

Another inspiring project is the inclusive theater ensemble "Theater für Alle" . Here people work together on plays with and without disabilities and bring different perspectives onto the stage. The performances impressively show how culture and art can overcome boundaries and offer a platform for exchange and understanding between different people.

The “PIK” program for inclusive art practice aims to improve the working conditions of artists with disabilities. Here, cultural institutions should be supported to work inclusive and to employ artistic staff with disabilities.

A necessary change in the cultural landscape is to be accompanied from which all artists can benefit. An inclusive culture encourages to orientate yourself on the skills and needs of different people and to allow new perspectives on artistic practice and cooperation. The program stimulates a process that ultimately benefits everyone.

The “PIK” program is intended to enable artistic innovations and to compensate for existing disadvantages for people with disabilities. For this purpose, three modules are planned, each of which is aimed at different groups and divisions of an inclusive cultural scene in Germany: a mentoring program for disabled leadership , a network for performing arts and a range of advice through a nationwide advisory team for culture and inclusion. Among other things, this will develop a public academy program for cultural actors and evaluate and communicate results from the program.

“Arts Impact” project is also pursuing a promising idea: including art and culture, it should be made accessible to a general public. The makers are convinced that they will touch, address and move many people - everything that art is at best.

An example of this is the Forward Dance Company from Leipzig, which works with dancers with and without disabilities. As part of the "Euro-Scene Leipzig" festival , the piece "Insights" listed in 2021, in which the spectators could experience up close how a dance piece was created. The online gallery is currently presenting projects from all over Germany and is constantly being developed in order to soon present actors from Switzerland and Austria.

Club 68 Cologne has set itself the task of establishing inclusive art scene in Cologne Both disabled and non -disabled artists should be able to present their works together. In order to achieve this goal, the association is planning exhibitions in the city.

The Euward Art Prize is awarded every three years by the Augustinum Foundation In the summer of 2021, the works of the Euward winners exhibited in the renowned Munich House of Art. Klaus Mecherlein founded the art prize more than 20 years ago to make the art of people with cognitive restrictions better known.

There are numerous other including art campaigns and projects in Germany that give people with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves artistically and to participate in the art scene. These examples show how important it is to think and act inclusive in order to create a society in which every person can develop their individual skills and is considered in diversity as an enrichment. Art can make a significant contribution here and contribute to inclusion.

From exclusion to acceptance - a rocky but rewarding way to inclusion

By actively involved in the artistic design, people with different restrictions, art enables a positive experience of participation and participation.

In the media, the representation of artistic projects with inclusive approach plays an important role in overcoming prejudices and stereotypes. It is of great importance to promote inclusive thinking and acting, because inclusion in art not only creates more opportunities for people with disabilities, but also enriches the entire culture.

An inclusive society is characterized by openness, understanding and respect for the diversity of all people. Overall, including art campaigns and projects can serve as role models and show how art can contribute to inclusion.

It is important to think inclusive when it comes to culture to give everyone the opportunity to accept themselves and accept others.

The snapshot shows that there is still a lot of action - in politics, in the media, in the art scene and in the minds of all of us. The path is rocky and there are many hurdles to be overcome. Our effort is required to consistently continue the way to a more inclusive society. The many successful art projects and initiatives provide us with the necessary confidence and strength!

References and other contact points

• https://kultur-und- Inclusion.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/netzwerk_kultur_ Inclusion_Tagungs-Dokumentation.pdf
• https://www.ndr.de/kultur/ Inclusion-in-der-kultur-kunst-keine-borders, inclusion592.html
• https://www.bundes-regierung.de/breg-de/bundes- Government/bundeskanzleramt/staatminminminister-fuer-kultur-und-medien/kulturelle-teithaben/ Inclusion-in-kultur-und

• Sakaguchi, Aline do Socorro Martins Pacheco. Art and inclusion: The influence of art education on the global perception of people with disabilities . Revista científica multidisciplinar núcleo do conhecimento. Year 06, Ed. 03, Vol. 08, pp. 104-118. March 2021. ISSN: 2448-0959

• DW: Outsider-Kunst: "completely out of the soul"