ART DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Art is a form of communication, a way of expression that has existed within societies since the beginning of their existence.
The purpose of art and why it was created are questions that continue to concern historians and artists to this day.
“Art is the indispensable means for this merging of the individual with the whole. It reflects the infinite capacity of man for association, for sharing experiences and ideas.” notes Ernst Fischer in his book “The Necessity of Art.”
Art, in every human society/place, consists of beliefs, various social codes, elements of science, myths, and history. It lies somewhere between what people perceive and what they are capable of realizing.
A key characteristic of the arts is that they contribute to the release and expression of emotions and higher mental functions such as consciousness, judgment, and imagination. They cause a lower level of anxiety and thus promote the individual’s more spontaneous participation in the process.
Art, in its entirety, is universally accepted as a form of human communication—a product of human energy that originates from the senses and primarily addresses the senses.
After serving the art of dance for 38 years, and through my love for humanity, the vision was born: a harmonious coexistence of our diversity with each person’s uniqueness as an entity, on one grand stage!
And thus, the festival began…
Its central goal is to raise public awareness on issues of marginalization and to break the stigma around disability through active participation.
The shared presence on stage of people with and without disabilities proves that the power of art makes the aesthetic and harmonious coexistence of all people possible — without discrimination. At the same time, through their participation in the event, the dancers contribute to their own autonomy, as dance addresses diversity using the body as a tool. Additionally, this important institution for our region and for all of us has created the conditions for developing a ‘chain’ of active volunteers. A large part of the city’s community (youth, students, university students, workers, professionals), driven by a spirit of offering, became volunteers and formed a large family with the dancers and their companions. At the same time, it has contributed to breaking down prejudice about disability and fostering values and emotions such as cooperation, kindness, equality, and courtesy.
Maria Karapanagioti
Art Director, IDFD
Choreographer, Educator, Dance Therapist