ZIÇEV Art Center: A Story of Improvement
November 2023 - May 2024
MERSIN
The project aims to realize active participation of adults with intellectual disability (down syndrome, autism, mental retardation, etc.) in social and cultural life through art. By providing art education, the project also aims to be an art facilitator in order to create conditions for individuals with intellectual disability to exhibit their artistic and intellectual skills, to increase social awareness, and to contribute to the elimination of exclusion and discrimination.
Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes participation in cultural life as a right for everyone. The right to participate in cultural life is guaranteed as per Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. Article 27 of the Constitution stipulates freedom of science and art, whereas Article 64 stipulates protection and support of artists and art activities.
Factors that prevent healthy work conditions in music, dance, visual arts and handicraft workshops at the National Real Estate building, which was rented by the Foundation until 2030, will be eliminated within the scope of this project. The improvement work to be carried out in the workshops will increase our student capacity from 35 to 60. Art facilitation will be started for individuals with intellectual disability having artist identity and talent, and activities will be carried out to enable such individuals to gain artist identity in the eyes of the society. Free training will be provided in 4 workshops 5 days a week, and the works created during said workshops will be exhibited to visitors in the exhibition hall. Upon completion of the renewal of the institution, an opening event will be held with chorus and dance performances, exhibitions, and a large-scale announcement of the realized project.
