Person biography:
Dominique Dauwe is a Belgian-born artist who has been at the forefront of transforming the inclusion of people with disabilities in film, television, and education for over two decades. He is an actor, producer, musician, and writer who has spent his career breaking down barriers and challenging traditional boundaries.
Born and trained in Antwerp, Belgium, Dauwe began his career as a pianist before being redirected to the theater. He then worked with music programs in underserved schools in East London, where he encountered special needs education and a systemic failure to offer artistic opportunities to children with disabilities. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to inclusive arts and education.
Dauwe's work has taken him across the Atlantic, where he has collaborated with inclusive arts collectives and worked on a range of projects, including the award-winning documentary "Becoming Bulletproof" and the musical "Best Summer Ever". He has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including "The Peanut Butter Falcon", "Annette", and "The Chapel".
Throughout his career, Dauwe has been driven by a desire to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. He has worked tirelessly to build infrastructures that support artists with disabilities, rather than simply making space for them. He believes that inclusion should not be a gesture, but a given, and that it is not a gift, but a fundamental right.
Dauwe's impact extends beyond the screen, as he has also worked to create sensory rooms and mentor young people with disabilities. He is fluent in English, French, Dutch, and German, and splits his time between Ghent, Belgium, Vermont, and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Ultimately, Dauwe's legacy is one of quiet, deliberate change, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. He is an artist who is not content to simply make a statement, but instead seeks to create a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come.
