“When I did find some opportunities to perform at some cafes or pubs, the stage area was not wheelchair accessible. So, I was sometimes beside the stage, behind the stage, in front of the stage, but never on stage,” he said.
Through the programme, he found alternative ways, for example, live streaming, to get his music across to an audience.
His partnership with his mentor, composer Philip Tan has gone beyond the programme that ended in 2022.
“Until now, Sky is still sending me the music that he enjoys. And he’s asking me to make comments about the music that he composes as well,” said Dr Tan.
LACK OF FUNDING, OTHER CHALLENGES
Still, limited resources and the difficulty of managing a spectrum of disabilities at the same time means the organisation has to keep classes small.
Only nine artists could take part in the programme’s latest run.
Nonetheless, ART:DIS said it is important to start somewhere, as these artists need opportunities beyond just community projects.