<p>A new performance space designed to be fully accessible aims to promote dance and music among people with disabilities. It was launched by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in early November.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Located in HSR Layout, the Samarthanam Art Centre is spread across 32,000 sq ft. It is constructed on Compensatory Afforestation land given to <br />the Trust by the Bangalore Development Authority 20 years ago, said Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder and managing trustee, when <span class="italic"><em>Metrolife</em></span> visited the property. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Kivadasannavar, who is visually impaired himself, founded the Trust in 1997. He always felt the need for a performance venue for people with disabilities. “I’m originally from North Karnataka which has a wealth of folk music and theatre. So I grew up with a lot of music around me. Also, there are many such facilities abroad, and I thought it would make a difference to the community to create something similar here,” he explained. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The facade of the building has been designed to represent the six dots of Braille. Through a ramp, wheelchair users can gain access to the floors above. The lifts are also designed keeping the disabled in mind.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“For instance, the lifts have audio signals and Braille symbols. There is also ample signage on the premises for the hearing impaired,” shared Kivadasannavar. </p>.Student group brings focus on folk art forms in Bengaluru.<p class="bodytext">The ground floor is occupied by offices and conference rooms. The auditorium is on the first and second floors. The 337-seater boasts a stage that can be accessed by a ramp. The fourth floor houses classrooms and an activity centre for their music institute, Samarthanam Institute of Music & Performing Arts. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Currently, it is run out of the Trust’s main property, which is adjacent to the new performance venue. The older building houses the Trust’s offices and school for the disabled and underprivileged. </p>.<p class="bodytext">They have also taken care to ensure there are no sharp edges throughout the property. “For the visually impaired that can be quite dangerous,” said Buse Gowda, another trustee of Samarthanam, as we walked through the property. Though it was inaugurated early November with a performance by singer Kunal Ganjawala, the facility will be fully functional by January 2025, he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The capital for the construction was raised from the CSR initiatives of six companies. “There’s still a deficit of Rs 2 crore, but we are confident we will raise the money,” he revealed. </p>
<p>A new performance space designed to be fully accessible aims to promote dance and music among people with disabilities. It was launched by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in early November.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Located in HSR Layout, the Samarthanam Art Centre is spread across 32,000 sq ft. It is constructed on Compensatory Afforestation land given to <br />the Trust by the Bangalore Development Authority 20 years ago, said Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder and managing trustee, when <span class="italic"><em>Metrolife</em></span> visited the property. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Kivadasannavar, who is visually impaired himself, founded the Trust in 1997. He always felt the need for a performance venue for people with disabilities. “I’m originally from North Karnataka which has a wealth of folk music and theatre. So I grew up with a lot of music around me. Also, there are many such facilities abroad, and I thought it would make a difference to the community to create something similar here,” he explained. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The facade of the building has been designed to represent the six dots of Braille. Through a ramp, wheelchair users can gain access to the floors above. The lifts are also designed keeping the disabled in mind.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“For instance, the lifts have audio signals and Braille symbols. There is also ample signage on the premises for the hearing impaired,” shared Kivadasannavar. </p>.Student group brings focus on folk art forms in Bengaluru.<p class="bodytext">The ground floor is occupied by offices and conference rooms. The auditorium is on the first and second floors. The 337-seater boasts a stage that can be accessed by a ramp. The fourth floor houses classrooms and an activity centre for their music institute, Samarthanam Institute of Music & Performing Arts. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Currently, it is run out of the Trust’s main property, which is adjacent to the new performance venue. The older building houses the Trust’s offices and school for the disabled and underprivileged. </p>.<p class="bodytext">They have also taken care to ensure there are no sharp edges throughout the property. “For the visually impaired that can be quite dangerous,” said Buse Gowda, another trustee of Samarthanam, as we walked through the property. Though it was inaugurated early November with a performance by singer Kunal Ganjawala, the facility will be fully functional by January 2025, he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The capital for the construction was raised from the CSR initiatives of six companies. “There’s still a deficit of Rs 2 crore, but we are confident we will raise the money,” he revealed. </p>