What Do We Mean By Inclusive Arts?

Through art, creating community. Through community, creating art.
- Richard Reho, 2005

An inclusive arts project is a group of people with and without disabilities working together to create art, and in the process building community. There may be a director, or the members of the group may take turns leading. But there is not a stereotypical separation between teachers, who are always non-disabled, and students or performers who are always people with disabilities. In an inclusive arts project, the artists are people with disabilities and people without disabilities planning, creating, and performing together. People with and without disabilities who are ordinary members of the community express themselves authentically, tell their own stories, and learn about each other. In this way, deep and lasting friendships are created in addition to art, and the community grows into one where every person feels a sense of belonging.