Artists With Disabilities Showcase Talent At Lagos Exhibition

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are collaborating in inventive expertise coaching, music classes and discussions on Africa’s inventive economic system on the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) in Lagos.

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with Discovering Ability (DADI), revealed that collaborating artistes had been actively concerned in actions on the second day of the occasion, held on the Wole Soyinka Centre, Lagos, beneath the theme, “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”.

According to the fee, their participation was “not symbolic”, however supplied alternatives for them to study, create, collaborate and contribute to the continent’s rising inventive economic system.

Among the contributors was Nnamdi Maxwell, an individual with incapacity, who attended masterclasses on storytelling, synthetic intelligence and different inventive expertise, gaining publicity to rising applied sciences and alternatives within the sector.

Maxwell stated he was thrilled to showcase his expertise at such a significant occasion, including that the expertise had strengthened his confidence in his talents.

The fee additional famous that one other of its candidates, Daniel, who’s blind, participated in a music hub masterclass alongside Samuel, an individual with bodily incapacity, demonstrating the potential for accessible music schooling and inventive collaboration.

Also on the coverage and funding degree, Lawrence Idemudia, the director of social integration on the fee, who’s deaf, and Karo Bulus participated within the CANEX Summit, the place discussions centered on the inventive economic system, funding and cultural coverage.

The NCPWD stated the participation mirrored its dedication to making sure that individuals with disabilities have entry to alternatives within the inventive trade.

“Their successful participation reinforced the commission’s core message: Disability should never be a barrier to creativity, learning, professional growth, or meaningful participation in Africa’s cultural and economic development investment, recognition, and learning,” it stated.

It confused that “opportunities must be accessible”, including that individuals with disabilities may “rise, create and lead” when given the mandatory assist and platforms.

The fee additionally stated the occasion supplied contributors with alternatives to construct networks, discover worldwide collaborations and develop their skilled capacities.

The programme introduced collectively stakeholders in Africa’s inventive industries, offering a platform for expertise improvement, funding, partnerships and the promotion of African cultural merchandise.