The art of life support: Dagbjört Andrésdóttir about her struggle and the need for valid studies

At the seminar „Equal access of disabled people to arts education“, which was held at the Borgarleichús recently, an influential conversation took place with Dagbjörta Andrésdóttir, a singer and activist. Þóra Einarsdóttir, assistant rector of studies and teaching, spoke to Dagbjörta. 

Dagbjört was born with brain-related visual impairment (CVI) Earlier this year, a documentary about her life and struggles within the education system was premiered. In the conversation, she discussed, among other things, how invisible disabilities can trigger a complex and unfair interface, what made her decide to open her life to the film camera, and how the words of a British expert, that the challenge was not herself but the system and the teaching methods, changed her identity. 

Dagbjört described the school system's impact on identity and mental well-being, but also how singing and the art program saved her, gave her purpose and space to build self-confidence with the support of teachers and fellow students. She also addressed a clear message to educational authorities and teachers to see accessibility, flexible teaching methods and individualized learning as self-evident „help tools“ not exemptions, so the talents of disabled people are not lost from the art scene. 

The seminar was held by the Iceland Academy of the Arts in collaboration with the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, ÖBÍ rights organizations, Þroskahjál and the City Theater.  

It was part of the collaborative project Entrant studies at university level, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education The program was diverse and addressed key issues such as barriers and opportunities within the arts program, the struggle for rights and the power of art, flexible learning and recommendations to LHÍ and the education authorities on the next steps. 

The seminar was held at the City Theater and around 60 people attended to listen and participate in discussions about the importance of access to art studies.