Full inclusion is a priority for the #Jerez2031 bid. In this context, all sectors and associations representing people with disabilities in the city have signed the declaration of support for Jerez’s bid to become the 2031 European Capital of Culture and, at the same time, have publicly endorsed their commitment by reading the Manifesto for Cultural Inclusion.
Both of these actions of support were the focus of today’s celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which took place at the Atalaya Museums with the participation of all groups within this important social sector and also featured a unique social and inclusive fashion show. The event, organised by the Municipal Office for Disability Services, was attended by the Mayor of Jerez, María José García Pelayo, along with a large part of the government team and the municipal corporation of the City Council, as well as representatives from all the organisations that make up the disability association network.
People with disabilities read the Manifesto for Cultural Inclusion #Jerez2031. They did so in a special way, showing their support in a video where, sequentially, they displayed the text outlining the #Jerez2031 bid’s commitment to cultural inclusion. The manifesto states that, in Jerez, “we firmly believe that the true strength of a society is measured by its will to guarantee that all people, regardless of their abilities, can live their lives to the fullest, with dignity and autonomy. A context that allows for inclusion in the cultural sphere, including in criminal law.”
In this way, the city of Jerez commits to “identifying, challenging, and dismantling” the “visible and invisible barriers that limit the full participation of many people in social, cultural, educational, and professional life” because “disability does not define a person” and because “we want to highlight the importance of people with disabilities in decision-making and in cultural creation processes.” Therefore, “as a candidate city for European Capital of Culture in 2031, we want to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, rights, and equal opportunities of all people.”
Furthermore, the event also included the Inclusion Fashion Show (the great social and inclusive fashion event) where dozens of people with disabilities modeled different collections: sportswear (UPACESUR for disability and Association of People with Disabilities of the Southern Area of Jerez -ASMELT-), sportswear (Afanas), party wear (Down Jerez Aspanido), children’s wear (UNIPER, Martín the Adventure of an X-Men and Diego Association against SMA), religious wear (Afamedis and SAFA) and Christmas wear (Cedown Jerez and Asperger Association Cádiz).
Cultural Inclusion Manifesto #Jerez2031
