Dec. 3, United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities

From Krishna Adams, Director of Visual Arts, Craft, Media and Design –

According to the U.N., the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on December 3rd around the world since 1992. The theme for this year’s IDPD is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality,” which focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for the inclusive, equitable and sustainable development envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In honor of IDPD, the TN Arts Commission is hosting a Sound Suit made by Borderless Arts’ Teapot Diplomats under the artistic direction of Dee Kimbrell. Several suits were created in a collaborative project with visual artist Nick Cave, but this particular suit was made alongside visiting students from Egypt.

Borderless Arts has a long history of art exchanges with Egypt. However, in 2018 those exchanges rose to a new level as Borderless Arts’ Movement Connection’s costumed dancers visited and performed in Egypt. In a return effort, members of Egypt’s Alfn Alkhas Association visited the United States and shared lectures, art and dance. They also created art with the Teapot Diplomats, including this collaborative piece of art designed with recycled bottle caps.

Thank you to Borderless Arts for allowing this beautiful Sound Suit to brighten our office and remind us that we all need to work toward inclusiveness and equality for everyone.