Accessible Arts / arts + disability NSW

The main objective of the Movement in Space project included providing an avenue for students with a disability to explore their artistic abilities with the assistance of a professional artist and to foster partnerships between Council, local artists and disability services. A total of 48 students with a disability participated in the project and works were exhibited, including five large murals, during 2009 International Day of People with a disability at the Council’s Library and Cultural Centre.

Sancha Donald, CEO Accessible Arts, presented the award and said, “In winning the award, Kogarah Municipal Council showed a deep understanding that art can be created using methods that allow, in this case, children with disability, to produce interesting works.”

For the third year, the Accessible Arts Award plays an important role in highlighting projects that include people with disability. All Local Government Cultural Award entrants are asked to submit information on how people with disability are included in their initiatives. The entrant that best delivers a high level of inclusion receives the Accessible Arts Cultural Award.

“More awareness of older people and people with disability is evident across all projects this year,” Sancha commented.

Chris Hudson, Cultural Development Policy Officer said, “There were a number of projects that demonstrated innovative and accessible initiatives this year, including From Pause to Play, Camden Council and Storyworx, another great project by Kogarah Municipal Council.”