PERSATUAN Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) has been entrusted by Senator Isaiah D. Jacob, representing the disabled people (OKU) community, to help establish an OKU Arts Academy.
This initiative aims to create a dedicated platform for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in the arts.
Isaiah praised Karyawan's commitment to empowering disabled artistes, highlighting its successful organisation of two Special Arts Festivals.
"Karyawan has consistently supported disabled individuals in the arts, including buskers, street artistes and musicians," Isaiah said during the recent opening of the OKU Fest at Panggung Bandaraya in Kuala Lumpur.
The festival, themed "My Ability is Stronger than My Disability", celebrates the talents and resilience of the OKU community.
Karyawan President Datuk Freddie Fernandez expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his organisation.
"We are committed to establishing the OKU Arts Academy, which will play a vital role in nurturing the artistic talents of disabled individuals."
Also participating in the OKU Fest was Altimet, an artiste and state assemblyman for Lembah Jaya, who shared his journey of overcoming dyslexia to succeed in both the arts and politics.
The OKU Fest, held previously in October 2022, featured diverse activities for the disabled community, including singing competitions, a special batik canting contest for children with autism, OKU Jam sessions, forums and exhibitions.
Organised by Karyawan, the festival received support from the Kuala Lumpur City Hal, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, as well as strategic partners such as the Society of the Blind in Malaysia and Dyslexia Genius.