The art exhibition that has been presented annually by Accessible Arts since 2006, has shifted to a project to be developed over an 18-month period and presented bi-annually.
Applications are now open to artists, arts workers, curators, writers and creative thinkers to form a creative committee and co-ordinate AART.BOXX for 2011. This opportunity is open to people with and without disability.
Hugh Nichols was one of nine people on the AART.BOXX 09 committee, a group of artists, writers, disability workers, arts administrators and even an animatronics expert, who met regularly throughout 2009 to drive and create Accessible Arts' national survey exhibition AART.BOXX 2009.
Accessible Arts is presenting its national survey exhibition of works by emerging artists with disability from 30 October to 7 November 2009.News
Emerging artists strengthen links within arts & disability
On Thursday 29 October 2009, more than 250 audience members came to the Mori Gallery in Sydney for the opening of AART.BOXX, Accessible Arts’ national exhibition for artists with disability.
From Carla Wherby’s pen and ink collages of African-American entertainers at the entrance, to video art from Kevin Comty and Linda Wilken, the gallery was packed with viewers enjoying the works on display.
AART.BOXX was initially developed to address the lack of support and access to professional development for young artists with a disability. This year the exhibition was extended to emerging artists of all ages. A passionate and diverse community has been created with this variation, and strong representation from both the arts and disability sectors attended the opening, including Museums & Galleries NSW, Penrith Regional Gallery, The Festivalists, Studio Artes, Roomies and Miroma.
The exhibition was launched by Christine Morrow, coordinator of the Verge Gallery at the University of Sydney Union, with artist Scott Trevelyan and Accessible Arts CEO Sancha Donald also providing their perspective on the project.
This year’s artists talks have also added strength to the exhibition and to the professional development of the artists. Initially introduced at last year’s exhibition, the Conversations with AART.BOXX Artists program was coordinated by Jennifer Stockins and a group of about 30 people, with and without disability, attended the first gathering at the gallery on Saturday 31 October 2009. Four artists discussed their practice giving insight into the processes behind their art forms including printmaking, painting, filmmaking and sculptural work.
Lynda Strong, a prolific artist from Studio Artes in Northern Sydney relayed her experience with the assistance of artsworker Emma Johnston and Auslan interpretation. She talked about painting most days, either at home or at the Studio, and also spoke about her recent experience of exhibiting at Government House and Callan Park Gallery.
View the online gallery of works exhibited at this year's AART.BOXX exhibition.