Studio Project 2008
The Studio Project has provided a Visual Artists Studio space for artists with a disability in an arts environment. Through a series of workshops and master-classes it has furthered the participants technical skills and artistic practice. Pine Street Creative Arts Centre provided the venue, tutors and materials and have had prior experience in delivering programs to people with a disability through their outreach program. Facilities at Pine Street are owned by the City of Sydney Council and include studios for ceramics, printmaking, silver jewellery, glass, drawing & painting, mixed media and digital multi-media.
It is well documented that access to professional practice in the visual arts sector for people with disabilities is extremely limited. These limitations take the form of poor physical access, limited educational opportunities and undefined (or non-existent) pathways for people with disabilities to develop as professional artists. Works by artists with a disability are under-represented in galleries and art institutions. Access to exhibition and promotional opportunities is very poor and generally, artists who identify as having a disability are located in a health rather than a professional arts environment.
The Elements
One day per week
10 artists with disabilities
Two sessions of 2.5 hours per day
2 x 9 week semesters
The project consisted of compulsorily elements, electives and a professional arts program.
Painting and drawing were selected as the compulsory genre to build on what is most often offered within the disability sector and therefore to build on the existing skills of the artists.
Printmaking was also offered as an art form because it is rarely offered in disability arts program due to resources. It also draws on the artists drawing skills.
Ceramics was offered as it is a tactile medium that people with disabilities often have not had an opportunity to experience.
The studio practice enabled the artist to pursue their drawing and painting under guidance.
The program also included a public exhibition and where possible components of installing and hanging the exhibition involved the artists as part of the ongoing professional development.
Selection:
Artists were required to submit samples of work. A minimum of four works and a maximum of eight works in jpeg format, printed photos or actual works no larger than A2. The application form included a questionnaire to ascertain key information about the applicant's aspirations and goals and to identify what kind of assistance the applicant required to participate in the proposed program.
The managing tutor who has an MA in Visual Arts from the College of Fine Arts, and has been teaching at Pine Street for 6 years. She has been a practicing visual artist for over 29 years. Qualified tutors at Pine Street delivered the electives.
The Arts Development Officer of Accessible Arts was responsible for the professional development aspects of the program outside of the practical tuition. She has a Fine Arts degree (Hons) from the University of Western Sydney and has been a practicing artist and arts facilitator for 15 years.
The objectives of the experience were:
- To provide an opportunity for the participants to work in a studio environment with professional artists as tutors and develop their technique and style and to explore materials.
- To provide artists with a theoretical context for art making and context for contemporary arts practice
- To provide exhibiting and selling opportunities for the artists in the program
- For artists to become familiar with adaptive uses of tools and materials, marketing, installing works, developing a portfolio, CV writing, developing and curating exhibitions.
- To inform the arts industry, disability sector and broader community of the artistic needs, potential and contributions of people with disabilities.
- To create pathways to integrate the artists into the main stream arts community
- Ultimately to establish a studio for selected artists with a disability funded by a government employment program
- Participants will have the chance to see themselves as artists resulting in improved well being
Fridaze Exhibition 2008
In 2008 the Studio Project culminated in an exhibition at CarriageWorks. Works by nine artists were shown in a joint exhibition with the Pine Street Creative Arts Centre Outreach program. This exhibition was part of Bakehouse - an inclusive arts festival held throughout Sydney. Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore opened the exhibition and Sancha Donald, CEO, Accessible Arts along with one of the participants from the program presented speeches. The joint exhibitions displayed works produced throughout 2008 and included both 2D and 3D mediums, representing painting and drawing, printmaking, ceramics, mosaics and jewellery.
