Epic Arts is an inclusive arts organization based in Cambodia. We use the power of the arts to bring together people with & without disabilities. "Creative Schools Cambodia" is an ambitious new creative learning initiative that aims to change attitudes and inspire creativity amongst the next generation of Cambodians by connecting young children and disabled artists through a structured program of arts activities in schools.
There is little information or awareness about disabilities in Cambodia - this lack of knowledge fuels fear and intolerance. People with disabilities are often regarded as being useless. They are hidden from sight and discriminated against,which means they have few opportunities to take an active role in society. In a country where people with disabilities are not allowed to become teachers, our program gives people with disabilities the chance to change attitudes through arts education
We will provide weekly art and dance lessons at schools taught by disabled arts leaders. Students gain positive experiences, helping them learn to be more accepting of those with disabilities while studying arts subject.Studies show that children have more positive attitudes about people with disabilities with increased familiarity to those who have disabilities. This leads to less anxiety and better attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Currently the project runs in 1 school in Kampot where we've taught 38 workshops for 80 children and 5 teachers. In 2016 we want to deliver our project in 4 more schools & enable over 300 children to access arts. We also plan to provide arts training for 25 teachers & employ 6 people with disabilities full time. We hope that the "Creative Schools Cambodia" project will influence the future of the Cambodian school curriculum by setting an example of creative arts education.
