Theatre and Performing Arts, Disability Citizenship and Community Development : Perspectives from the Global South and North

Abstract

How might inclusive arts practices strengthen active citizenship and community participation? This is the main question that inspired the global collegial networks that led to this book project. The authors of the introductory chapter, 12 peer-reviewed research chapters and six practical encounters engage with theatre, performance, dance, visual arts and/or other cultural practices from critical disability perspectives in local contexts in the Global South and North. The authors critically present and discuss methods and models for inclusive and innovative arts and cultural citizenship practices that leverage off of disability as the special driving force and game changer for a more open society. The perspectives and practices elaborated on reveal how art-practice in the community is a way of activating partnership and participation. With this book the editors and authors argue that through artistic citizenship practices, the space and possibilities of being a citizen develop.