BELIZE CITY – Marking a significant milestone, The Inspiration Center is celebrating fifteen years of dedicated service to children with disabilities throughout Belize. Founded by visionary leader Kim Simplis-Barrow, the organization has established an enduring legacy of creative empowerment and inclusion.
Throughout its history, the center has maintained a cherished tradition of showcasing the artistic expressions of its young clients through various annual initiatives. Previous projects have transformed children’s artwork into practical everyday items including decorative mugs and functional calendars, allowing their creativity to reach broader audiences.
This anniversary year introduces an innovative departure from previous formats. Instead of traditional products, the center has translated selected artworks onto wearable T-shirt designs. Approximately seven to eight young artists contributed their original designs for this special project, which serves as both a fundraising initiative and a powerful visibility campaign.
Kim Simplis-Barrow explained the evolution of their approach: ‘After fifteen years of summer artwork projects with our clients, we recognized the need to adapt to changing times. While everyone has calendar functions on their phones, wearable art creates a different kind of connection between the artists and the community.’
The December showcase event traditionally serves as an annual highlight, bringing together families, supporters, and the young artists themselves in a celebration of achievement and possibility. According to Simplis-Barrow, these events powerfully demonstrate that ‘with appropriate opportunities and support, every child can thrive and express their unique capabilities.’
The T-shirt project continues the center’s fundamental mission: transforming perceptions of disability through creative expression while providing tangible opportunities for children to demonstrate their talents and potential.