The DARE Festival 2024 lit up Singapore’s Gateway Theatre on 13 November with an inspiring showcase of inclusivity and courage, uniting artists of all abilities. With the evening themed in three acts—Dare To Be, Dare To Live, and Dare To Be-Live—the festival invited the audience on a powerful journey of self-discovery and resilience. Singapore jazz icon Jacintha and pop sensation shazza headlined the event, delivering dynamic performances that celebrated diversity and personal expression, while prominent artists from the disabled community, such as pianist Dr. Azariah Tan and Deaf performer Lily Goh, highlighted the evening with deeply moving acts that exemplified the festival’s commitment to inclusivity.
Among the notable attendees was guest-of-honour Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, who reinforced the government’s support for the arts as a force for unity and empowerment. His presence highlighted the festival's impact, which went beyond entertainment to encourage bridging of communities through shared creativity. Lily Goh’s debut performance captivated the audience with her expressive blend of rhythm and signed expression. Andrea Hosking and Dr. Azariah Tan delivered heartfelt performances, embodying the event's mission of resilience and empowerment. Dr. Tan, a pianist who has progressively lost his hearing, captivated the audience with an emotional rendition, blending passion and precision. His performance left the crowd in a reflective hush, a testament to the power of art to transcend physical limitations and connect with the soul.
The DARE Festival’s accessibility features, such as Singapore Sign Language interpreters, live captions, and audio descriptions, ensured that all attendees could engage fully with the event. With proceeds supporting local disability initiatives and Collective Perspectives’ empowerment projects, the festival made a lasting impact that extended beyond the stage, championing social change and underscoring the unifying power of art to transcend all barriers.
