Gathering in a better world

Gathering in a better world (GIABW) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project that seeks to create a worldwide network for artists with disabilities.

“Within the framework of the project, meeting and networking opportunities as well as creative spaces are conceptualised by artists with disabilities across different artistic disciplines and for a broad audience with and without disabilities,” says project curator Calvin Ratladi.

This Gathering is a physical extension of connecting Sub-Saharan African artists living with disabilities through a series of workshops, conversations (podcasts), collaborations, invited works, and the development of new work produced within the framework of archiving ‘Arts, Disability, Performances’ research. The project is conceived as an experimental, performative, and playful space for exchange and dialogue between artists and thinkers whose practices are devoted to social justice and disability.

GIABW is initiated by the festival Theaterformen and the Goethe-Institut and takes place from July 2022 until March 2023 in Braunschweig, Johannesburg, Montevideo, Shanghai, and Kyoto. The Johannesburg iteration offers a public performance programme from 1 to 5 March 2023 at the Market Theatre.
 
GIABW is supported by Theaterformen, Goethe-Institut, Market Theatre, Centre for the Less Good Idea | SO Academy, Calvin Ratladi Foundation, UNMUTE Dance Company, Yellow Bunny Productions and TrialbyMedia.

The project features seasoned artists such as Hlengiwe Lushaba Madlala, Chuma Sopotela, Nadine McKenzie, Andile Vellem, Teresa Phuti, Thulani Chauke, Nceba Gongxeka, Sello Sebotsane, Anathi Conjwa, Siphenathi Mayekiso, Shelley Barry, Yonela Mnana and Khabonina Qubeka.