Enabling Lives Festival 2023: A Celebration of Inclusion and Abilities Across Singapore

Singapore is set to host the third edition of the Enabling Lives Festival, a dynamic event dedicated to championing disability inclusion. Organized by SG Enable, this four-day festival, running from November 30 to December 3, promises to be a spectacular showcase of over 30 immersive experiences and workshops presented by inclusive businesses and partners from around the globe.

A Global Collaboration for Disability Inclusion

This year, the Enabling Lives Festival is breaking new ground by expanding its reach across Singapore. With more than 54 local and international partners participating, the festival emphasizes collaborative efforts by persons with disabilities and their caregivers, ranging from inclusive businesses and social enterprises to non-profit organizations.

In alignment with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the festival is a flagship event in celebration of SG Enable’s 10th anniversary. Themed “Celebrating Inclusion and Abilities,” the festival revolves around three pillars: Celebrate, Collaborate, and Champion.

Zero Project x SG Enable Forum: Pioneering Solutions for Disability Inclusion

Kicking off on November 30, the festival begins with the inaugural Zero Project x SG Enable Forum. This gathering brings together more than 100 innovators worldwide to champion sustainable solutions for persons with disabilities. Featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, this forum marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between SG Enable and the Austrian non-profit Essl Foundation’s Zero Project.

Enabling Village Open House: Bridging Communities with Inclusive Arts & Businesses

On 2 December, the Enabling Village Open House takes center stage, hosted by Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development. The Enabling Village, Singapore’s first inclusive community space, will host sensory installations, immersive art experiences led by artists with disabilities, a curated food street, pop-up music performances, and the i’mable Gift Market featuring artisanal works by persons with disabilities.

Visitors can also participate in the Mediacorp Celebrities Charity Fair, supporting the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund, which aids persons with disabilities through the sale of celebrities’ pre-loved items and handmade creations.

Building The Social Spirit of Inclusivity

The festival spotlights a diverse lineup of over 54 partners committed to making Singapore a more inclusive society. Throughout the event, expect an array of satellite programs, including sharing sessions, workshops, and performances at various locations across Singapore, showcasing the talents of persons with disabilities.

Experiential activities such as Tour in the Dark by Dialogue in the Dark SG and The Silent Experience by TOUCH Community Services offer visitors unique insights into the daily challenges faced by people with visual and hearing impairments.

Grand Finale: “Our Story” Chorale Performance

The festival will conclude with a grand finale chorale performance of “Our Story,” a song commissioned by SG Enable and composed by Dr. Darius Lim of Voices of Singapore (VOS). This powerful anthem of inclusion will be performed by VOS’ Starlight Voices, a choir comprising talents with special needs, at Capitol Singapore, Outdoor Plaza.

It’s a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the spirit of the event and emphasizing the community’s role in building a more inclusive society.

Programme Schedule