Alecia Neo (Singapore) is an artist and cultural worker. Her practice unfolds primarily through photography, video installations and participatory workshops that address modes of radical hospitality and care. Her recent projects include Performing Normal (2024 - 2025) co-presented by Singapore Art Museum and Art:Dis Singapore, Performing Care (2023) at Esplanade Tunnel, Scores for Caregiving (2023), a participatory installation commissioned by ArtScience Museum, a site-specific art installation Power to the People (2022) at the Karachi Biennial.

She is currently working on Care Index, an experimental platform that collects and features diverse practices of care performed by people from all walks of life. Conceived during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Care Index seeks to understand care through dialogue, movement and collaborative practices. The project builds on an earlier collaborative artwork titled, Between Earth and Sky (2018), which was developed with a group of caregivers in Singapore. Care Index has been recently presented at The Listening Biennial, Assembly for Permacircular Museums (ZKM, Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe), New Season of Care (Asia-Art-Activism) and Presence of Mind (Gallery Lane Cove, NSW, Australia).

She is the co-founder of Brack, an art collective and platform for socially engaged art and the Ubah Rumah Residency on Nikoi Island, Bintan, which focuses on the intersection of art, hospitality, and ecology. Active since 2014, her ongoing collaborations with disabled individuals and communities manifest as an arts platform, Unseen Art Initiatives. Alecia has been an artist-in-residence at diverse art institutions such as Bamboo Curtain Studio (Taipei), The Substation (Singapore), NTU CCA (Singapore) and UNIDEE in Biella, Italy. She received the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award (2016) and the National Youth Award Singapore (2019). She is an Associate Artist at Dance Nucleus, Singapore.

Hu Xiaoshu, known by her artist name Alice Hu, is fluent in Chinese, English, German, CSL, ÖGS, and several other international sign languages. She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Applied Arts Vienna and has over 16 years of experience in theater and the art business as a host, visual artist, actress, and independent producer.

Alice is the founder of Accessivation Studio, committed to the philosophy of "Nothing about us without us." The studio develops innovative, accessible projects aimed at Deaf-hearing integration, focusing on Accessibility Consulting, Creative Arts, Sign Lab, and Talent Hub. Notable projects include The light projection screening "Night Bloom", the “Bass Bath” Deaf- friendly clubbing series and “Diverse As We Are (DAWA)” at the Shanghai International Inclusive Culture Festival, both gaining international recognition.

For her contributions to Deaf-hearing integration, Alice has been featured in prestigious award listings such as the Her Abilities Award and Unlimited Arts Award, and was recognized by UnusualVerse as “a Deaf woman who is changing the world.” 

Angela Tan is the Executive Director of ART:DIS (Arts & Disability Singapore), a non-profit organisation established in 1993 to provide arts education programmes and professional development opportunities for artists with disabilities. As a leading body for arts and disability in Singapore, it operates three centres and collaborates with government agencies, community partners, and arts institutions to advance greater inclusion and representation of D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse artists within the cultural sector. Angela holds a BA in Fine Arts and Art History and formerly spent a decade at the National Arts Council in policy and programming roles.

Cassandra Chiu is a psychotherapist & Coach who is a Director of The Safe Harbour. She is also a lecturer at Swinburne University's post-graduate counselling program and a registered counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling.

Chiu's calling as a social advocate has led her to be a speaker and consultant for equal opportunities for the disabled. A thoughtful leader in diversity and inclusion, her works have been published by the World Economic Forum, The Straits Times, Today, Ethos Books, and World scientific. Also with Berita Harian, Lianhe Zaobao and Wanbao, The New Paper, The Singapore Women's Weekly magazine, radio and television programs such as 938live The WOW club, On the Red Dot, and good morning Singapore on Channel News Asia. She has also been interviewed extensively by the media, both in Singapore and abroad. Chiu is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Social Innovation Park Fellow, and a recipient of The Singapore Woman Award.

Claire Teo is an actor and artist-educator whose practice involves using performing and literary arts as a medium to bridge communities. Her versatility allows her to take on various roles as a performer, director, and writer and spearhead many disability-led and informed projects that have become milestones in the disability arts scene. Some notable works include:

Welcome To My World 2023: Cha Cham Bo! Taking Flight
Light To Night Festival 2025: Through The Looking Glass
MONSTRESS: The reclaiming of Medea and Medusa 2025

She teaches drama and singing in mainstream and special needs contexts, at senior citizens’ activity centres, and within social service organisations. Additionally, Claire has served as a Programmes Executive at a girls’ residence, supporting youth who have faced adverse childhood experiences. Her work integrates stage performance with educational practice and community outreach, using the arts to promote self-discovery, resilience, and practical skills development.

As Esplanade’s Head of Communications and Content, Clarissa enjoys leading and working in multi-disciplinary teams to drive conversations and tell stories on the arts and its intersections with social issues, policy-making and everyday life. An arts writer and former journalist, her work has been published in The Straits Times and in collections such as The Second Link: An Anthology of Malaysian & Singaporean Writing (Marshall Cavendish, 2023).

Dee is the Deputy Director of Audience Development at National Gallery Singapore, overseeing initiatives to improve access to art and serving as Artistic Director for Light to Night Singapore and the Gallery Children’s Biennale. She has also led learning, access and public programmes at both the Gallery and Singapore Art Museum, championing mental health initiatives like StART and Project Happiness. From 2018 – 2020, Dee led the Singapore Art Museum in the development of the SAM Touch Collection. 

She is a National Arts Council Scholarship recipient and received her PhD from the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the positioning of artists who engage in community-based, participatory artistic interventions and the impact of art museum programmes on mental health, accessibility & inclusion and youth development.

Eddy Zee is a very dynamic man, he is a producer and actor. Over the past two decades, he produced over 200 renowned works for different Arts Festivals, Dance and Theatre Companies. In 2016, he joined an exciting project—a new arts hub in Hong Kong named Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, created The Spotlight Festival, Tai Kwun Circus Play and Asian Dance Film Platform for local and international artists showcasing their works. In 2022 Nov, he joined No Limits by Hong Kong Arts Festival and Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, a new platform for inclusive arts, to extend his vision and mission about the value of performing arts for the community.


No Limits – Inclusiveness through the Arts 

Co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “No Limits” strives to create a barrier-free environment enabling artists and audiences to explore and promote inclusiveness through the arts. No Limits is featuring in-venue and online programmes by international and Hong Kong artists of diverse abilities. Programmes cover film, music, dance, and theatre, and defy constraints and boundaries. The project also invests heavily in arts education for young people, offering experiences designed to nurture students’ interest in the arts and enable them to share the joy of creativity together with people of diverse abilities.

Emily leads the Employment and Lifelong Learning (ELL) Group and oversees the Enabling Village Division in SG Enable, the focal agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore. Throughout her career, Emily spearheaded policies and initiatives, developing major masterplans and working with multi-sectoral partners to grow the arts, media, design and infocomm sectors in Singapore. Building on her extensive experience in the private and public sectors, Emily leads the ELL Group to develop the ecosystem of lifelong learning and employment for persons with disabilities, and advocate for greater integration of persons with disabilities in the community and at work. Emily holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia, a Master of Design (Design Strategies) from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore. 

Grace Lee-Khoo is the Founder of Access Path Productions, Singapore’s first disability-led theatre company. She graduated with an MA in Applied Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and a BA (Honors) from the National University of Singapore’s Theatre Studies program.

A director, performer, producer, dramaturg, drama educator, audio describer for the blind/vision-impaired and creative access consultant who works internationally, Grace was International Artist-in-residence at London’s Graeae Theatre Company in 2017.

Grace currently serves as the Lead Artist of the Inclusive Young Company (iYC), a holistic acting programme in collaboration with Singapore Repertory Theatre. With SRT, Grace has directed Kaite O’Reilly’s The 9 Fridas (2022), Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis (2023) and Hijinx Theatre’s Meet Fred (2024).

Significant works also include UK Unlimited commission Kaite O'Reilly And Suddenly I Disappear (2017-2018) that toured UK and Singapore, National Gallery Singapore Light to Night Festival commissions Glimpse (2023) and Self Portrait (2019) and Singapore Art Museum commissions desert of the ocean (doldrums) for Singapore Art Week 2024 and Patterns of Perception for Singapore Biennale 2023.

Grace is currently an adjunct lecturer at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the host of Channel News Asia’s documentary The New Hire (2022). Her latest CNA program The Assembly premiered in January 2025. Inspired by France’s Les Rencontres du Papotin, Grace mentors 23 neurodivergent individuals to showcase neurodiversity as a powerful lens that fosters fresh thinking and deep understanding.

Isabelle Lim is a compelling figure in the realm of photography, her work is characterised by a distinct narrative of resilience and perspective. An alumna of LASALLE College of the Arts and the inaugural recipient of the Dare to Dream scholarship, Isabelle has surmounted the challenges of transitioning from an education system for the Deaf to mainstream schooling, fortified by her independence and a supportive community of interpreters and peers.

The founder of issyshoots, Isabelle specialises in portraiture and event photography, capturing poignant moments of life's milestones. Isabelle's imagery transcends the silence of her world; each photograph is a testament to her belief that identity is conveyed through creativity and connection, rather than limitations. Her dedication to her craft is unwavering, as she continually seeks to portray the depth of human emotion and experience.

Jeffrey has been working as a theatre director, drama educator and creative producer since 1997.  He holds a BA (Drama) from the Queensland University of Technology, QUT (Australia) and MA (Drama and Theatre Education) from the University of Warwick (United Kingdom).

Jeffrey has worked full time as Resident Director, The Theatre Practice, Drama Lecturer, Lasalle School of Drama, Associate Artistic Director, Theatreworks, Assistant Director, National Arts Council, People’s Association, PAssionArts and Centre for the Arts, National University of Singapore.

In 2006, Jeffrey was awarded the National Arts Council’s Professional Scholarship to pursue his Masters at the University of Warwick. In 2011, Jeffrey was invited by the United States, Washington, Department of State to attend theInternational Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on ‘Social Change through the Arts’. In 2012, Jeffrey was also named Outstanding Alumni in the arts by QUT.

In 2016, Jeffrey started Theatre Today, to bring Self-Employed arts workers together for theatre and arts projects. He has also worked on several theatre commissions including the Singapore Arts Festival (Open Homes 2015, Open Homes 2017), the National Arts Council’s community residencies, (It’s A Happy Happy World, 2018, Food Memories 2022). Jeffrey also presented OPEN HOMES in Brisbane in 2019 and OzAsia Festival in Adelaide in 2021.

Jeffrey also created and toured SAME-SAME, an online collaboration performance between No Strings Attached, Theatre of Disability, Adelaide and Diverse Abilities Dance Collective, Maya Dance Theatre, Singapore and toured to three Fringe Festivals, Melbourne (2021), New Zealand (2022) and Adelaide (2022).

Since 2022, Jeffrey has been an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the NationalUniversity of Singapore where he co-developed and co-teaches a course entitled Theatre & Community Engagement. Jeffrey is also an Adjunct Lecturer for ‘Stage Management’ (Ngee Ann Polytechnic), ‘Community Arts’, ‘Global Arts Perspectives’ and ‘Speech Performance’ (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) (NAFA).

Jeffrey has conceptualized and produced several six-month creative mentorship programmes. i.e. ArtsXplorer2.0 (2022) for the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth, National Arts Council and National Youth Council. Inspirations (2023), a year-long series of Arts and wellness programmes, presented by UOB and National Arts Council. Over four terms, close to 40 programmes were presented at Hangout@UOB at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic.

In 2024, Jeffrey conceptualized IGNITE, a six-month mentorship for new and early-career Self-employed persons in the arts for the Arts Resource Hub, National Arts Council. Between August 2024 to February 2025, the 10 Mentors and 20 Mentees met guest speakers to explore Portfolio Planning/Goal Setting, Contract Negotiation, Financial Management, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Branding.

On the international front, Jeffrey is also a part of the International Teaching Artists Collaborative, ITAC Global Working group on Accessibility, hosted by the Lincoln Centre, US. Together, they have created Accessibility resources on planning for accessibility, language used, access statements, creating a calm space and the LEARN framework.

Jennifer Wong is a Senior Lecturer in the National Institute of Education—Nanyang Technological University (NIE-NTU), Singapore. She serves as the Assistant Head in the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department, where she oversees the Drama and Professional Development programmes. Prior to joining NIE-NTU, she was a secondary school teacher before moving to Singapore Polytechnic where she was one of the key members who designed and launched the Diploma in Applied Drama and Psychology.

Jennifer enjoys working with children and youth to make theatre and she frequently collaborates with social service organisations and schools to create participatory theatre programmes to complement youth development and academic support work.

She is also actively engaged in research work, particularly in areas of participatory arts, arts education, and child and youth development. This includes recently completed research projects such as "Arts in Special Education: Examining practices and pedagogies in the arts in Special Education (SPED) Schools in Singapore" and "Artist-in-School Scheme (AISS) in SPED schools: Examining AISS through the lens of student engagement and pedagogies in and through the arts".

Kavitha Krishnan is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and advocate for social change through the arts. She has performed internationally and represented Singapore in the ASEAN Contemporary Dance Production, Realizing Rama. Her deep passion for dance and its transformative power co-led her to establish Maya Dance Theatre (MDT) together with Creative producer, Imran Manaff  in 2007, a non-profit arts company dedicated to Arts for Social Cause and Arts for Good. Over the years through interdisciplinary dance-theatre productions, and international collaborations MDT sheds light on pressing social issues, carving a strong local presence with its impactful artistic journey. The company was also a recipient of the National Arts Council’s SEED Grant (2012-2015).

In 2018, Kavitha founded the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), an MDT initiative created with six founding members with Down Syndrome. DADC provides an inclusive space where diversely abled dancers and professionals co-exist, collaborate, and celebrate their differences through the arts. Drawing from her expertise as an occupational therapist, Kavitha has shaped DADC into a nurturing environment where dance fosters empowerment, self-expression, and inclusivity.

Beyond dance, Kavitha continues to explore new artistic mediums to enhance storytelling. Since 2020, she has collaborated with filmmakers and mixed-media artists to create immersive DanceXR works. These productions integrate film, virtual reality, and interactive experiences to highlight social narratives, delve into personal emotional journeys, and examine themes of inclusion and diversity. Through these innovations, she pushes the boundaries of dance, using technology to deepen engagement and expand artistic perspectives.

Kavitha’s significant contributions to the arts and society have earned her numerous accolades. She received the Artistic Excellence award from the late President of Singapore, Mr. S.R. Nathan, in recognition of her extensive work in dance. She was also conferred the title Natya Nipuna by Bhasker’s Arts Academy for her profound contributions to arts and culture. In 2018, she was honoured with the Women with a Heart award by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and in 2023 she was inducted into the Indian Hall of Fame for her longstanding commitment to arts and disability advocacy.

In June this year, Kavitha collaborates with Gigi Art of Dance (Indonesia) and The Stellar Company (Australia) together with Maya Dance Theatre – Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC) and professional dancers from Under the Bridge Collective (UTB) to present a new inter-disciplinary dance theatre work, BHUMI, imaging a safe and kind place, and accepting of all! The work will be premiered in both Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia.

A firm believer in the power of movement, Kavitha views dance as more than an art form—it is a language of connection, healing, and empowerment. She remains dedicated to inspiring and transforming lives through dance, championing its role in fostering social change. 

About Maya Dance Theatre - DADC 

Maya Dance Theatre, a non-profit interdisciplinary dancetheatre company, has a unique presence in both local and international arts arena for harnessing the power of dance to illuminate pressing social issues. Through their performances and artistic expressions, they strive to provoke thought, raise awareness, and foster dialogue about important societal concerns and potentially inspiring positive change. In 2018 as part of their community initiative, they formed Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), uniting dancers with diverse abilities with professionals and redefining stereotypes. Founded by artistic director Kavitha Krishnan with six members with Down Syndrome, the group has grown to 18 dancers who co-create and share a unique artistic space. DADC’s performances champion inclusion and diversity, blending mesmerizing choreography and heartfelt storytelling to inspire audiences locally and globally. Highlights include collaborations with choreographers like Liz Lea (Australia, 2019), the SEEDS film series (2021–2023), and Candoco Dance Company (2023). They have performed at the World Down Syndrome Congress 2024 in Brisbane, Australia, and festivals in India and Indonesia, reaching over 18,000 viewers.

The team has garnered accolades, with five members earning Mediacorp SG’s Goh Chok Tong Enabling Promise Awards. Some dancers work at Apsara Asia Pte Ltd, a social enterprise, engaging in arts administration, arts education and pre-schools training programmes, including as facilitators for seniors creative movement outreach.

Over the past 5 years DADC has been recognised widely for their craft, skill sets and their passion and has carved out a niche in the Singapore Arts Scene by championing Inclusion and Diversity through the arts. DADC’s efforts spotlight empowerment, proving that creativity transcends limitations and advocating for inclusion through the arts; "Diverse Abilities Dance Collective" shines a spotlight on inclusion and empowerment, proving that everyone has the potential to shine brightly regardless of their abilities.

Our next production in June 2025, a tri-country collaboration (Singapore, Indonesia, Australia), BHUMI, imaging a safe and kind place, and accepting of all! The production will be premier in both Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia and details will be soon up on our website: www.mayadancetheatre.org

Marvin Tang is the lead producer at Superhero Me. He is passionate about fostering creative opportunities through the arts. He oversees projects like GROW and the Rainbow Centre x Superhero Me Creative Residencies. Beyond his work at Superhero Me, Marvin is an artist and lecturer at Lasalle College of the Arts and NTU School of Art, Design, and Media.

Superhero Me is a neurodiverse multidisciplinary collective on a mission to push the boundaries of inclusion through the creative arts.

Dr. Michael Tan is the Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. As a leading creative health researcher, and advocate in Singapore, his contributions include the State of Arts and Health Development Singapore and numerous cross sectoral/ discipline collaborations with stakeholders such as the AIC, NAC, Duke-NUS to explore, interrogate, and imagine the culture of care. His ongoing inquiries include mental health, end of life and, disability. He is also working with a team of eminent international colleagues in arts and health on a WHO Lancet Global Series.

Web: https://michaeltankb.net/

Nano Warsono is a visual artist and art lecturer at the Indonesia Art Institute in Yogyakarta, where he also serves as the director of the R.J. Katamsi Gallery. A prominent figure in Indonesia's art community, he is actively involved in both national and international art exhibitions and mural projects. Notable highlights of his work include his solo exhibition RHECO: Membuka Tabir Peradaban Nusantara at the National Gallery of Indonesia, Arise-Bangkit with Clarion Alley Mural in the USA, and Art is Non-Essential with Artsphere in Singapore, among others. In addition to his artistic practice, Nano is an advocate for environmental issues through his involvement with Japara Poster Syndicate, an art-activism collective he founded.

In 2020, Nano, alongside Sukri Budi Dharma (aka Butong), co-founded Jogja Disability Arts (JDA), a Yogyakarta-based foundation dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the cultural sector and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. JDA views disability arts as a powerful means to challenge ableism, raise awareness, and promote acceptance, addressing issues such as discrimination to a wider audience.

Through his work with JDA, Nano collaborates with disability artists, organizations, and a wide array of both disabled and non-disabled artists and institutions to promote inclusivity and ensure equal access to rights and protections for people with disabilities. Notable collaborative projects facilitated by JDA include Netas/Incubate with Community Murals UK (CTC Grant, The British Council), “Lintunan/Exchange/Cyfnewid with CIC Mural UK (Unlimited Grant), Babad Polowijan: The Role of Disability in the Java War with Contemporary Art Gallery Jakarta, and Prism, a research project on disability arts, with DaDaFest UK (CTC Grant, The British Council).

Nano also co-founded two key programs at Jogja Disability Arts: the Suluh Sumurup Festival, an annual event that highlights the work of disabled artists in Indonesia, and the Jogja International Disability Arts Biennale (JIDAB), a biennial event that connects and showcases disability artists from around the world. Through these initiatives, Nano strives to advocate an inclusive platform for disability arts, advancing the global movement for equality and access both locally and internationally.

Dr. Rico Chan is a passionate social designer and educator who explores the dynamic relationships between people, technology, and the visual environment. Rico is also the founder and CEO of Beyond Vision International (BVI), a charitable organization (NGO) dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired by focusing on education, social inclusiveness, accessibility, and employment opportunities. In 2023, Rico was one of only 10 Hong Kong designers selected to represent Hong Kong at the "Dutch Design Week 2023" in the Netherlands. In 2013, Rico was the sole representative from Asia to be named an International Access Fellow of Art Beyond Sight in New York, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the field of inclusive design and accessibility.

Beyond Vision International (BVI)

Beyond Vision International (BVI) is a charitable organization (NGO) that dedicated to enhance the quality of life of the visually impaired by enabling them to actively participate in the arts and culture and stimulate their creativity and learning. We believe that access to visual information in arts and culture is a universal human right. We provide access to visual information through innovative tools, training and empowering experiences. BVI also utilizing their innovations and expertise of tactile and social design to empower visually impaired people.

BVI invented the Tactile-Audio Interaction System (TAIS), a multisensory interactive platform for the visually impaired to experience art through the synchronization of touch and sound, to build greater mental image. The Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS), another invention from the team was also launched successfully at the Blind School in Hong Kong. It is an assistive educational learning system and tactile materials that helps visually impaired students overcome barriers in learning of visual information from textbooks and from the living environment. Tactile Colour System (TCS), a groundbreaking invention to stimulate the colour perceptions of visually impaired was well received when launched in late 2019.

The team also curated multiple exhibitions in Hong Kong and overseas. They have collaborated with “Leonardo3 Museum (L3)” in Italy, “Palace of Versailles” in France, “Asian Art Museum” in San Francisco, “teamLab” in Japan, and more. Currently, he is also collaborating with “National Gallery Singapore”, “Singapore Art Museum” and “Gardens by the Bay” in Singapore, “L’ECOLE School of Jewelries Arts”, “Hong Kong Museum of Art”, “M+”, “Tai Kwun”, and “Hong Kong Museum of History”. At the same time, he is expending the impact of the inclusive educational materials — Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS) for the visually impaired community in Seoul, with the collaboration of “Another Way of Seeing”. BVI is also the awardee of the HKEX funding scheme for the consecutive years of 2022 and 2023.

Sabrina Mok is a Senior Teacher at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (East) (CPASS) with nine years of experience supporting students with moderate to severe multiple disabilities. She is committed to providing a holistic, student-centric education tailored to their high support needs.

CPASS (East) is a Special Education (SPED) school that follows the Ministry of Education’s SPED Curriculum, serving students with moderate to severe multiple disabilities. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the school empowers students to live meaningfully, learn continuously, and work productively.

Samantha Bounaparte is Programme Chair for the Diploma in Arts and Entertainment Production Management at Republic Polytechnic, where she oversees curriculum development and industry collaborations to prepare students for careers in arts and production management. With over 15 years of experience in the tertiary sector, she is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and adaptability needed in the evolving arts landscape.

Beyond her role in education, Samantha has spent over a decade creating multisensory experiences for neurodiverse audiences and regularly conducts workshops on performance-making for these communities. Her notable works include Riley’s Rain at the M1 Peer Pleasure Festival and The Universe of Feelings, collaborating with Superhero Me at the Esplanade. In 2018, she attended the Artist Professional Development program at the Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Centre, working alongside renowned practitioners like Oily Cart UK and Trusty Sidekick NY, deepening her commitment to inclusive, sensory-driven theatre. Her work bridges education, production, and accessibility, inspiring new generations of theatre-makers to explore multisensory and inclusive approaches in their practice.

Samantha has worked in Singapore’s theatre industry for the last 25 years and achieved critical acclaim as a Theatre Director, Artistic Director and Theatre Educator. Along with over 50 productions under her belt, she won the Life! Theatre Award in 2005 for Best Director and has received numerous nominations over the years for the productions she has helmed. More recent directorial credits include Tuesdays With Morrie by SRT, A Novel Idea by Arts House and Souvenir by Sing Theatre. A multi-dimensional artist, she has made strides not only in theatre, but also entrepreneurship and film. Samantha founded Blank Space Theatre in 2007, which received excellent audience reviews and awards for productions including Lord of the Flies, Das Experiment: Black Box, as well as Freud’s Last Session and Red (both collaborations with Esplanade Presents series: “The Studios”). Samantha works continually as a theatre educator at LASALLE College of the Arts, and has also taught at SOTA (School of the Arts) and NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts). Since becoming Artistic Director of Gateway Arts, her focus has been to curate programmes that use theatre to encourage conversations and inspire positive change amongst children and youth. Through Samantha’s leadership Gateway Arts runs a professional mentorship programme to develop and groom the next generation of artists. Directorial credits under Gateway Arts include Smartypants and the Swordfish (2019/2024), I and You (2022/2024) and short musical film Behind The Wall.

Ar. Siddhant Shah is a national level award winning universal design expert. He wears multiple hats as an accessibility consultant, and DEI advocate dedicated to making art, culture, and workplaces inclusive for persons with disabilities. As the founder of Access For ALL, he works at the intersection of heritage, design, and disability inclusion, pioneering accessibility solutions for museums, corporate environments, and public spaces. His expertise lies in creating tactile experiences, braille resources, sensory-friendly exhibitions, access audits, and disability sensitization programs. His journey to translate innovation into productivity fuses with a mindful mission that preserves human dignity. Shah, a Stavros Niarchos Scholar with an MA in Heritage Management from the University of Kent and a Post graduate Diploma in Indian Aesthetics, along with a Bachelor’s in Architecture, has been working relentlessly for the cause over the past few years.

Work & Collaborations 

Siddhant has led accessibility projects for prestigious cultural events like the Coldplay Tour India (BMS), Lollapalooza India, NH7 Weekender, Serendipity Arts Festival, India Art Fair. He has spearheaded accessibility projects for institutions such as the Supreme Court of India Museum, Museum of Prime Ministers of India, National Museum (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Mumbai), Victoria Memorial (Kolkata), and Mehrangarh Museum (Jodhpur). His work extends to corporate accessibility and DEI consulting, partnering with Cargill India & APAC, Godrej, and Danaher Corporation to conduct access audits, policy development, and inclusive training programs. He has also spearheaded innovative community initiatives like Project ANUBHAV (tactile art experiences), Art Beyond Bars (art therapy for jail inmates), and INCLUSIVE MELA (interactive disability awareness fairs).

Global Impact & Advocacy 

A sought-after speaker, Siddhant represents India’s accessibility movement on global platforms, including the ‘Inclusion in Diversity: Equity and Accessibility for All’ World Conference (2024). His vision is to bridge gaps in access and representation, ensuring that heritage, workplaces, and cultural spaces are equitable and welcoming for all.

Sukri Budi Dharma, also known as Butong, is the founder and chairman of Jogja Disability Arts (JDA), an organization established in 2020 and based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The foundation of JDA grew from his long-term involvement with Difcom (Diffable Friends and Community), where he served as Founder and Coordinator from 2009 to 2019.

Since JDA's inception, Butong has focused on building a network of disabled artists across Indonesia. With a strong commitment to grassroots communities, he uses Disability Arts as a platform to promote meaningful participation and empower disabled artists. His work with JDA aims to foster inclusivity in the cultural sector while advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. JDA sees disability arts as a powerful means of challenging ableism, raising awareness, and promoting acceptance, addressing issues such as discrimination to a broader audience.

Through his work with JDA, Butong collaborates with disability artists, organizations, and a diverse range of artists and institutions—both disabled and non-disabled—to ensure equal access to rights and protections for people with disabilities. Notable collaborative projects facilitated by JDA include Netas/Incubate with Community Murals UK (CTC Grant, British Council), Lintunan/Exchange/Cyfnewid with CIC Mural UK (Unlimited Grant), and Babad Polowijan: The Role of Disability in the Java War with Contemporary Art Gallery Jakarta.

Butong also serves as JDA’s spokesperson, fulfilling its mission to educate the public and raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities. He shares his knowledge and experiences at various public events, talks, and art-based activities. Emphasizing a cultural and rights-based approach, he promotes disability arts through the values of equality, solidarity, empathy, and a deep respect for local cultural traditions that nurture inclusivity in community practices.

Butong co-founded two regular programs of Jogja Disability Arts, the Suluh Sumurup Festival, an annual event that showcases artwork by disabled artists in Indonesia, and the Jogja International Disability Arts Biennale (JIDAB), a biennial event that connects and showcases the work of disability artists from around the world. 

As a multidisciplinary artist, Butong has participated in various art exhibitions and contributed to numerous collaborative Disability Arts projects both nationally and internationally. In 2019, he was selected as a delegate for the Disability Arts Learning Residencies program in the UK, organized by the British Council.

Tan Beng Tian, a devoted disciple of the late master Li Bofen, is an esteemed performer and traditional hand puppeteer. She was honoured with the JCCI Singapore Foundation Culture Award in 2005 and the Straits Times Life! Award in 2019.

As a co-founder of The Finger Players and a proud member of the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA), Beng Tian has collaborated with major theatre companies throughout her three-decade career. These include ArtsWok, Checkpoint Theatre, Drama Box, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, The Finger Players, The Necessary Stage, The Theatre Practice, Toy Factory Productions, W!ld Rice, and Hong Kong’s Zuni Icosahedron.

An independent and versatile theatre practitioner, Beng Tian is dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to all. In 2018, she pursued training with Australia’s Access2Arts (Adelaide) and became a certified Audio Describer, furthering her commitment to accessibility
in the arts.

In 2019, she directed her first accessible production, Not In My Lifetime?, produced by The Finger Players and supported by Gateway Theatre. This production embraced inclusivity, ensuring that both the creative team and audiences from various disabled communities could fully engage with the work.

Beyond her own productions, Beng Tian lends her expertise to organizations that share her vision of authentic accessibility, most notably Equal Dreams.

A passionate advocate for theatre-making and puppetry, Beng Tian actively conducts Masterclass Workshops and lectures, passing on her craft to the next generation. She also mentors students and frequently participates in research projects and interviews. Notable workshops include Talk on Theatre Experience and Theatre Exposure for trainee teachers at the National Institute of Education and Workshop in Mechanisms for childcare educators at Creative O Preschoolers’ Bay.

Her contributions extend to published research, including Marionette: From Traditional Manipulation to Robotic Manipulation by researchers from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, and Empowering Communities Through Arts Access, published by the National Arts Council Singapore.

Victor Zhuang is Assistant Professor in Disability Communication at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University. He was a Chevening scholar in 2013/14 and a 2022/23 Princeton University Fung Global Fellow.

His research lies at the intersections of communications, media, cultural studies, and disability studies, especially as it pertains to inclusion and the workings of technology.

He hopes to use his research to contribute to current debates about how inclusion happens both in Singapore and around the world.

Dr. Wong Meng Ee received his PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is presently a tenured Associate Professor at the Psychology and Child & Human Development academic group at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. He researches and teaches in areas of special and inclusive education, visual impairments, home-school partnerships, assistive technology, disability studies, and teacher education across diploma and postgraduate courses. He has published in international journals and is actively involved in grant-funded research investigating assistive technology, disability, and inclusive education issues in the community. Outside his academic work, he is engaged in service to disability groups and committees serving the population, including iC2PrepHouse and Sg Enable.

Dr Yeongmin Mun is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Welfare, Chung-Ang University in South Korea, where she teaches Disability Welfare and Disability Studies. She has several disabilities and uses a wheelchair. Through her experiences, she has gained a deep understanding of how individuals with disabilities navigate society and how their bodies and identities are shaped through social interactions. She has been actively involved in various disability arts projects and engages in both research and education on the embodiment and identity of people with disabilities. Her work explores how art serves as a medium for self-expression, resistance, and reimagining disability beyond medicalized perspectives. She has published over 20 articles in domestic and international peer-reviewed journals, including Disability & Society and the International Journal of Public Health, covering topics related to disability arts, disability studies, and health of people with disabilities.

Yvonne is the CEO of Esplanade, and serves also on boards of the University of the Arts Singapore, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore International Film Festival and other international arts organisations. Prior to joining Esplanade 10 years ago, Yvonne worked in public sector as Deputy CEO of National Arts Council, in the then-Ministry of Information, Communications, the Ministry of Manpower and the Arts, and as a junior college literature teacher. 

Benedict is an architecture graduate who is currently focusing on the pursuit of his passions in both architecture and art. His previous engagements with a cross-disciplinary design practice include exhibitions at major Singaporean museums and the transformation of the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. His current endeavours are centred on documenting significant post-war and contemporary architectural works in Singapore, contributing to a curated collection.

As an illustrator, Benedict has cultivated a keen interest in both watercolours and digital art. His works often depict local scenes, aiming to capture and preserve their character and the memory of these places. On weekends, he engages with the community by organising sketch walks and painting at various locations with Urban Sketchers Singapore.

Claire Teo is an actor and artist-educator whose practice involves using performing and literary arts as a medium to bridge communities. Her versatility allows her to take on various roles as a performer, director, and writer and spearhead many disability-led and informed projects that have become milestones in the disability arts scene. Some notable works include:

Welcome To My World 2023: Cha Cham Bo! Taking Flight
Light To Night Festival 2025: Through The Looking Glass
MONSTRESS: The reclaiming of Medea and Medusa 2025

She teaches drama and singing in mainstream and special needs contexts, at senior citizens’ activity centres, and within social service organisations. Additionally, Claire has served as a Programmes Executive at a girls’ residence, supporting youth who have faced adverse childhood experiences. Her work integrates stage performance with educational practice and community outreach, using the arts to promote self-discovery, resilience, and practical skills development.

Esther Tan is an experienced educator and arts practitioner specializing in arts education and special needs learning. With over a decade of experience working with SPED schools since 2011, she is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments through the arts. She holds a Master’s in Education (Special Education) from Nanyang Technological University/National Institute of Education (NTU/NIE), where she explored the intersection of drama and special education.

Her formal training includes an ATCL Speech and Drama (Teaching) qualification from Trinity College London, as well as Grade 8 certifications in Speech and Drama and Speaking Skills from both Trinity College London and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Additionally, she has completed a Specialist Diploma in Arts Education, equipping her with expertise in teaching children with special needs in the arts.

Isaac Tan has been a passionate music and art lover since childhood. His formal training began at ART:DIS in mid-2022, specializing in cajon, drums, and creative dance. He made his performance debut in August 2022 at Tampines Community Club and has since performed at events such as The Purple Parade, ART:DIS Golf Gala Charity, and The Istana Community Chest Awards 2022. He was also part of the musical Chachambo and, in 2024, performed as a puppeteer in the relaxed performance of Smartypants and the Swordfish presented by ART:DIS and Gateway Arts.Through his dedication, perseverance, and achievements, Isaac hopes to inspire others like him to believe that anything is possible—encouraging them to work hard, chase their dreams, and ride their own rainbow.

Jeremy Leong is the co-founder of Zip Zap Zoom Collective, a Theatre for Young Audiences company where he produces, writes, directs, and facilitates drama experiences.

He has also partnered with ART:DIS since 2024 to champion and advocate for a more inclusive Singapore through the power of theatre.

With ART:DIS, he performed in the restaging of Smartypants and the Swordfish with an inclusive cast; facilitated performing art workshops in SPED schools; and collaborated with artists with disabilities to bring the picture book Callum’s Courage to life through dramatic storytelling during Enabling Lives Festival 2024.

A firm believer that every child—no matter their background and abilities—should have access to quality arts education and experiences, Jeremy seeks to create works that celebrate the individuality of every child. 

Joanna Ong is a caption designer, arts manager and disability advocate. As a caption designer, she adopts the 'aesthetics of access' approach to integrate captions into the design and aesthetic of live performances, enabling the Hearing and Deaf communities to enjoy live performances together. Her recent works include Through the Looking Glass (2025), a multi-sensory installation cum performance by ART:DIS, And the Cats Dance by the Light (2024) by Intercultural Theatre Institute and Open the Curtains (2023) by Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Inclusive Young Company.

Regina enjoys the process of theatre making as a prism to experience the facets of life, to open minds and to indulge in the colourful spectrum of human emotions both light and dark. She aspires to tap on the power of theatre as an intimate space where people can share stories to find strength, courage and hope to live, as life pulls us in many directions. Since her graduation from Intercultural Theatre Institute in 2017, she has been focused on developing her practice to be shared with young children and adults with disabilities. She is also currently exploring projected play through puppetry and object manipulation.

Dr. Rico Chan is a passionate social designer and educator who explores the dynamic relationships between people, technology, and the visual environment. Rico is also the founder and CEO of Beyond Vision International (BVI), a charitable organization (NGO) dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired by focusing on education, social inclusiveness, accessibility, and employment opportunities. In 2023, Rico was one of only 10 Hong Kong designers selected to represent Hong Kong at the "Dutch Design Week 2023" in the Netherlands. In 2013, Rico was the sole representative from Asia to be named an International Access Fellow of Art Beyond Sight in New York, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the field of inclusive design and accessibility.

Beyond Vision International (BVI)

Beyond Vision International (BVI) is a charitable organization (NGO) that dedicated to enhance the quality of life of the visually impaired by enabling them to actively participate in the arts and culture and stimulate their creativity and learning. We believe that access to visual information in arts and culture is a universal human right. We provide access to visual information through innovative tools, training and empowering experiences. BVI also utilizing their innovations and expertise of tactile and social design to empower visually impaired people.

BVI invented the Tactile-Audio Interaction System (TAIS), a multisensory interactive platform for the visually impaired to experience art through the synchronization of touch and sound, to build greater mental image. The Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS), another invention from the team was also launched successfully at the Blind School in Hong Kong. It is an assistive educational learning system and tactile materials that helps visually impaired students overcome barriers in learning of visual information from textbooks and from the living environment. Tactile Colour System (TCS), a groundbreaking invention to stimulate the colour perceptions of visually impaired was well received when launched in late 2019.

The team also curated multiple exhibitions in Hong Kong and overseas. They have collaborated with “Leonardo3 Museum (L3)” in Italy, “Palace of Versailles” in France, “Asian Art Museum” in San Francisco, “teamLab” in Japan, and more. Currently, he is also collaborating with “National Gallery Singapore”, “Singapore Art Museum” and “Gardens by the Bay” in Singapore, “L’ECOLE School of Jewelries Arts”, “Hong Kong Museum of Art”, “M+”, “Tai Kwun”, and “Hong Kong Museum of History”. At the same time, he is expending the impact of the inclusive educational materials — Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS) for the visually impaired community in Seoul, with the collaboration of “Another Way of Seeing”. BVI is also the awardee of the HKEX funding scheme for the consecutive years of 2022 and 2023.

Shalom Lim is a Singaporean artist and philanthropist-turned-entrepreneur diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a progressive muscle-wasting disorder, as well as inattentive ADHD. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Rebirth Ensemble LLP, a visual arts brand and label that he co-founded with his vision-impaired partner, Amanda, that embodies the spirit of revival and the power of art to reignite human endeavour and identity.

Shalom exhibited with ART:DIS and co-raised over $100,000 with his late brother Isaac for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore). Currently an acting trainee at ART:DIS, marketing communications assistant at Shalom Medcare, and author of Callum’s Courage, Shalom’s work exemplifies resilience, showcasing what happens when hope refuses to die.

Sky Shen is a singer-songwriter and inclusivity advocate with muscular dystrophy. He has worked across the social service and arts sectors as a volunteer, educator, content creator, and artist, using his craft to drive meaningful conversations on inclusion.

A valedictorian graduate from Temasek Polytechnic (Communications and Media Management) and holder of a Sociology degree (Highest Distinction) from NUS, Sky blends academia with the arts to create impactful projects. His debut EP, Wheel You Love Me? (2022), explored love through a disability lens, and in 2024, he wrote and performed March On, the national theme song for Singapore’s Paralympic Team.

Beyond music, Sky has contributed as a scriptwriter, actor, sound designer, and access consultant for inclusive productions such as Face Together (ART:DIS), Chachambo: Taking Flight, and Through the Looking Glass (Light to Night Festival 2025). He also voiced creative audio descriptions for A Piece of Home, an exhibition featuring artists with disabilities.

Committed to education, he has conducted masterclasses at the Arts & Disability Forum, trained educators at MOE’s STAR programme, and developed a Language Arts curriculum for MINDS Woodlands Gardens School, guiding students with intellectual disabilities in songwriting as a life skill.

Su is a theatre practitioner, educator, and access artist dedicated to inclusive storytelling. As a neurodivergent individual, her journey in access began with personal experience and deepened through her bachelor’s thesis on the aesthetics of access. She has since worked on numerous creative narration projects with ART:DIS and contributing as a writer for Chachambo: Taking Flight as well as the narrator for Beyond Display Productions, and recently, Monstress. She is excited to contribute to growing access community through this workshop.

Timothy Lee is a performing artist with Down syndrome, dedicated to honing his craft in cajon, dance, and acting with ART:DIS. He has performed at both grassroots and prestigious events, becoming the first actor with a disability to appear on national television in Mediacorp’s Channel 5 drama Kin. His notable performances include Something About Home, commissioned by National Gallery Singapore for Light to Night Festival 2020, and a dramatic storytelling adaptation of Callum’s Courage at Enabling Lives Festival 2024. In 2024, he was also a puppeteer in the relaxed performance of Smartypants and the Swordfish presented by ART:DIS and Gateway Arts. A recipient of the inaugural Goh Chok Tong Enable Award (2019), Timothy hopes to inspire others with disabilities, illuminating the world with joy.