Boundless Community: A Developing Disability Arts Movement

Authors

Sarah K. Benson, University of BirminghamFollow
Khaldoun Hijazin, University of JordanFollow
Alaa Qattam, British Council- JordanFollow
Suha Khuffash, Art to HeartFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Sarah K. Benson

https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-5822-4942

University of Birmingham-Dubai

Abstract

Over several years, individual organizations in Jordan have been focused on increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities in the arts. Increasing inclusion can provide a powerful tool to create visibility, amplify marginalized voices and disrupt normative narratives. However, these isolated efforts had a limited impact until a cohesive effort borne by a burgeoning community of practice led to the first Amman Arts and Disability Summit. Bringing together youth, artists and gallery owners, the movement leaders are using models of social learning and communities of practice to create a more inclusive arts community. The movement stands on the precipice of creating lasting change for disabled artists and audiences alike as spaces, and people work to dismantle barriers in Jordan. Leaders see the arts as a vehicle for changing how disability is understood and constructed throughout Jordanian society. This article outlines and charts the collective efforts and energy of the disability arts movement in Jordan by tracking the value creation from the developing community of practice. It aims to understand how social learning can be a driver for inclusive efforts in Jordan.