Wollongong based abstract painter Keith Rutherford is the recipient of the third Accessible Arts’ Bundanon Artist in Residence program. With support from Bundanon Trust, Fern Studio at Bundanon has been made available for the artist in residence program.
Daniel Kojta, new media artist and recipient of the 2010 Accessible Arts Bundanon Residency, spent four weeks at Bundanon’s Fern Studio in April 2010.
During 2010 Bundanon Trust is including a number of initiatives in their program that are inclusive of people with disability.News
Responsive approach to access at Bundanon
In 2008, Accessible Arts and the Bundanon Trust launched a bi-annual artist in residency opportunity for NSW based artist(s) with disability. This project has fostered a strong working relationship between the two organisations. Artists, Scott Trevelyan (2008) and Daniel Kojta (2010) have both undertaken a four week residency at the purpose-built studios located at the Bundanon properties on the Shoalhaven River in NSW.
For Accessible Arts, the success of the residency program is largely measured by artist feedback. When each artist reflected on their experience, both expressed the positive impact that the residency had for the development of new artistic work and the furthering of their own creative networks.
“The success of the residency is also attributed to Bundanon’s responsive approach to the access needs of artists, as well as providing the space to create and connect with like-minded people,” said Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development at Accessible Arts.
On the periphery of this partnership, opportunities have flourished for artists with disability and inclusive arts practioners.
In 2010, Dean Watson, choreographer, flamenco dancer and movement facilitator undertook a residency at Bundanon. This opportunity enabled Watson to develop his inclusive dance practice through exploring new concepts with film, music and stillness in movement. The residency also involved presenting a series of dance classes at the Dorothy Porter Studio at Bundanon. A range of people with disability from the Shoalhaven region attended the classes, offering an opportunity for involvement in a dance experience not usually available in the area.
Restless Dance Theatre, an Australian youth dance company whose work is inspired by cultures of disability, are currently undertaking a residency to develop a new work titled In-habit (working title). The company is taking part in creative development at Bundanon with an integrated cast of performers, four of which are experienced performers at Restless (all with disability).
The growing number of artists with disability engaging with the Bundanon residency program highlights the calibre and cultural contribution of these artists and the need for accessible and supportive creative environments across all art forms.
Applications for the 2012 Accessible Arts Bundanon Residency, for a NSW artist with disability, closes 22 June 2011.