text: According to the Third Enabling Masterplan (2017–2021) published by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, it is estimated that there are about 518,585 persons with disabilities in Singapore. This means that roughly 1 out of every 7 individuals identifies as having a physical disability, a sensory disability, an intellectual disability and/or a developmental disability.
  Alongside SG Enable, ARTDIS (Singapore) Ltd is one of the few charities in Singapore that serves all persons with disabilities. The only difference? We do so through the medium of the arts because we believe in its power to heal spirits, open minds and connect hearts. Numerous studies have shown that the visual and performing arts help to:
  - Develop control and coordination in fine and gross motor skills, as well as a spatial awareness of surroundings.
  - Strengthen communication and comprehension skills such as observing, listening, writing and speaking.
  - Nurture creative expression and broaden one’s worldview.
  - Improve memory and concentration, as well as manage emotions and behaviours.
  At ART:DIS, we go one step further beyond just mere art discovery. We support our students to become artists by providing them with a structured pathway to upskill towards professionalism, enabling and empowering them to:
  - Apply discipline, structure and passion to their daily lives.
  - Have a voice and understand that they have every right to occupy space in society.
  - Gain self-acceptance, self-confidence and self-worth.
  - Be financially independent.
  Here is our impact in 2022/2023
  Together with the National Arts Council, ART:DIS organised the fifth edition of Arts & Disability Forum that saw over 500 individuals from the Arts/Cultural, Social Service, Education and Policy-Making sectors convening to discuss best practices in arts access. Under the theme ‘Enabling Aspirations, Diversifying Pathways’, participants attended workshops & plenary sessions to discover how the field’s continuum of services supports the well-being, professional development and leadership of persons with disabilities.
  Launched ART:DIS Studio, an initiative that creates quality lifestyle products and corporate gifts from artworks by persons with disabilities. Be it through a commissioned project, royalties to an artwork or a product bought through our artful lifestyle store, the studio builds the financial independence of our artists and affirms their sense of purpose as valued and contributing members of the community. Its debut collection feature artworks from 5 young artists. Find out more at www.artdis-studio.com
  For more stories about our activities, access our Annual Report 22/23 here.
  Contribute To Our Cause
  We have been advocating and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities for 29 years. This is only possible with your support! The difference you help us make in the lives of our students and artists is directly felt by them and their caregivers. Help us continue making an impact in their lives through the following ways: