HAVANA, CUBA.- The National Association for the Blind (ANCI) marked National Culture Day with a host of activities by thousands of amateur artists throughout the island, as part of the efforts made by this organization for their rehabilitation and full integration into society.

Music -with more than 60 amateur groups as well as soloists, instrumentalists, troubadours and improvisers- is among the artistic expressions preferred by the visually impaired.  Exponents of music also work as professionals, while the first two BA’s in the specialty of lyric singing have graduated from Havana’s Higher Institute of Arts (ISA).

Theater also has a large number of amateurs among the visually impaired, with 56 groups. 

Literature is also a favorite, with more than 800 writers, a figure that has tripled over the last three years, while the figure of those awarded in national and international contests continues to grow.

There are also amateur artists in dance and fine arts, the latter practiced by visually impaired and blind people who cultivate ceramics, weaving, and other craft skills. (acn)