24 November 2020, 12:00 am
BORN TO PERFORM
Programme Type
Films and Exhibitions

Born to Perform is a four-year old and ongoing photography project shot in India and overseas. It features portraits of some of the world’s finest and most inspiring performing artists who happened to be physically challenged. When it comes to the issue of empowering the disabled, issues of education and livelihood rightfully occupy center stage. However, true inclusion can only happen when the differently abled also enjoy equal access to all cultural resources. This means not only being able to witness and enjoy artistic and cultural activities but also the opportunity to participate in the making of art and culture.

This photo project highlights this aspect by focusing on some of the world’s leading performing artists. Featured artists include Aliènette Coldfire (finalist, France Has Got Talent), India’s classical dance troupe We Are One, Australian crooner Tony Dee – the voice of We're The Superhumans campaign for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and Drake Music Scotland’s Digital Orchestra ¬– the world's first disabled youth orchestra. The artists covered by this photo project so far are from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, U.K. and Malaysia. 
 
Vijay S. Jodha

Vijay is a writer, filmmaker and a self-taught photographer based in Gurgaon, India. He has produced five books and his projects have been showcased in galleries, museums and festivals worldwide. His projects have received over 70 honours in 24 countries including 17 best film/director awards. His films have been shown on 75 broadcast channels worldwide including on BBC, CNN and Discovery. He has worked extensively on disability issues in India and abroad. In 2018 he was invited to present one of his projects and address delegates from 195 countries at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He can be reached at www.jodha.net and vijayjodha@gmail.com