Accessible Arts / arts + disability NSW

An Artistic Celebration

Local artist John Havilah with his solo
exhibition at Wollongong City Gallery, 2008.

Wollongong City Council (Illawarra NSW)

A series of six art workshops for adults with disability between September and November.
An exhibition of art works at the Wollongong City Library.
An official launch on International Day of People with A Disability, 3 December 2009, by acting Director of Wollongong City Gallery, John Monteleone, and Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development Officer at Accessible Arts.

Don't DIS my ABILITY event details

An Artistic Celebration

Exhibition dates

1 - 4 December 2009

Process

For the past six weeks, Wollongong City Gallery has become a hub for artistic expression. Community artsworker Tina Mackander has been working with around thirty enthusiastic people with a disability, introducing a variety of creative media and providing an opportunity for the participants to develop and experiment with new artistic skills.

“Each workshop is about giving a new group of people new opportunities to recognise the creativity that exists within them. The resulting artworks have been nothing short of stunning,” says Sarah Varley, Aged and Disability Community Development Worker, Wollongong City Council. “It has been great to see the many different personalities in the groups expressed in the creation of their artworks.”

A range of artistic media and techniques were introduced during the six weeks, including painting, crayon and the use of recycled materials to make sculptures. Each of the works are taking on an underwater theme and will be connected together to form a collaborative work. Time has been spent with each individual, introducing them to new techniques and ways of applying the mixed media. As a result, the participants have been adding "a new layer of information" to their art works each week.

“It has been a sheer delight coordinating this project,” says Varley, “the enjoyment and excitement of the participants have been stand out elements of every workshop. Tina's rapport with the participants and their sense of ownership of the project have gone up immensely and as a result the project will have lasting effects for the participants."

It is not only a celebration of the artists’ abilities, though; but also a celebration recognising the achievements and positive contribution these individuals have made to their community.

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About the organisation

Wollongong City Gallery

Wollongong City Gallery, managed by Wollongong City Council, is one of the largest regional art museums in Australia. Their aim is to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts for the people of the Illawarra and visitors to the region. The program of the Wollongong City Gallery is a combination of exhibitions that highlight the unique energy and creativity of the Illawarra region with a diverse range of quality exhibitions and associated programs derived from partner institutions around Australia as well as from international sources. Wollongong City Gallery is a fully accessible venue.