A Unique Artistic Space Promoting Visual Impairment Awareness
From October 3 to 5, 2025, the iconic Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City will transform into a celebration, creativity hub, and transformation space for the second edition of AsombrArte. Coinciding with the eve of World Sight Day (October 9), this event aims to showcase the talents of visually impaired artists and promote inclusion in all aspects – educational, professional, and social.
Organized by Angélica Lenz, a tanatologist, writer, and speaker with personal experience of visual impairment since childhood, AsombrArte is not just an artistic platform but a movement challenging prejudices, uniting communities, and proving that art knows no boundaries.
Addressing the Reality of Visual Impairment in Mexico
According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019, Mexico has approximately 11 million people with visual impairment, including severe low vision and blindness, accounting for 9.5% of the population. The primary causes are uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, and a rising alarming rate of diabetic retinopathy affecting 40% of those living with diabetes in the country. Many discover their condition only after losing vision.
Angélica Lenz, the festival coordinator and someone living with visual impairment, is well-acquainted with these barriers. “I’ve witnessed children being rejected from public and private schools due to their visual impairment, and adults with the necessary skills being dismissed from jobs simply for using a white cane. I want to demonstrate to the world that visually impaired individuals can contribute immensely to society with proper support,” she asserts.
An Inclusive and Multisensory Experience
Building on the success of its 2024 debut, which gathered over 1,200 attendees in Plaza Loreto, AsombrArte returns in 2025 with a larger ambition: to become an international festival celebrating art while fostering empathy and inclusion.
The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, located in the Buenavista colony, will host three days of activities designed for audiences of all ages and conditions. The festival offers unique experiences allowing the public to immerse in the world of visual impairment. Attendees can participate in workshops on braille, alebrije creation, clay modeling, and martial arts, all conducted while wearing blindfolds to simulate the experience of creating without sight.
Tactile exhibitions of painting and sculpture invite touching the artworks, while a roving mural allows visitors to paint “blindly.” Additionally, adapted stories for children and sports activities highlighting the capabilities of visually impaired individuals are presented.
Inclusion for the Deaf Community
Inclusion extends beyond visual impairment: AsombrArte also caters to the deaf community with sign language interpreters and vests that enable feeling music. “We want everyone, regardless of their condition, to feel part of this experience. It’s a festival for society as a whole,” explains Angélica.
One of AsombrArte’s most notable features is its ability to bring together key players in the visual health sector. Representatives from institutions like APEC’s Blindness Hospital and the Conde de Valenciana’s Low Vision Department, along with associations and care centers, will be present to share knowledge and promote rehabilitation.
“In Mexico, everyone pulls their own weight, but this isn’t progress. AsombrArte unites these institutions for a common good,” notes Lenz.
Rehabilitation: A Critical Component
Rehabilitation is crucial for visually impaired individuals to regain autonomy and actively participate in education, work, and society. However, Mexico faces a critical shortage: the lack of rehabilitation centers and insufficient medical ophthalmological care, particularly in rural areas.
According to INEGI (2020), states with the highest prevalence of visual impairment are Veracruz (44,551 people), Mexico City (31,576), and Jalisco (30,873). Socioeconomic conditions and limited access to services exacerbate the problem.
Economic and Logistical Challenges
Despite its impact, AsombrArte faces significant challenges. The free-entry festival costs around 700,000 pesos to run, covering equipment rental, honoraria, and food for artists and volunteers.
Lenz, who has been working tirelessly since January, has struggled to secure sponsorships. “I’ve been sending letters to companies since October, but no one responds. It’s frustrating because the festival’s impact is enormous, yet the burden falls almost entirely on me,” she confesses.
With family, friends, and allies’ support, the 2024 edition was a success. However, the international scale of 2025 requires more resources. The lack of financial support reflects a structural issue in Mexico: insufficient investment in inclusive initiatives.
“Sometimes I consider giving up, but this festival is unique worldwide. I can’t quit,” she affirms. This is a call to society and change. More than a festival, it’s a movement striving to transform perceptions and public policies.
80% of Visual Impairment is Preventable
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that 80% of visual impairment cases are preventable, but in Mexico, the lack of regular ophthalmological examinations and low awareness worsen the problem.
Diabetic retinopathy, for instance, could be managed with early diagnosis. However, many discover their diabetes too late. The festival also highlights the need for public policies ensuring access to ophthalmological services and rehabilitation centers nationwide.
“Medical attention is inadequate, and entire regions lack access. We hope AsombrArte inspires the government and society to take action,” says Angélica.
Join the Transformation
As a society, we have the opportunity to support an initiative that not only celebrates talent but also builds a more inclusive Mexico.
“Art unites us, transforms us, and allows us to see beyond limitations. AsombrArte is a cry for hope and a step towards a future where no one remains invisible,” concludes Angélica.
For more details, follow the event on Facebook/festivalasombrate, Instagram @festivalasombrate, and TikTok @festivalasombrate. For those interested in supporting, Angélica Lenz is open to collaborations and sponsorships: [email protected] or (+52) 5554133340.
