Alison Richardson and David Capra outside the Sargents Centre Mural
The Sargents Centre is a new multi-functional disability support centre in Blacktown. Officially opened on 30 November 2009, this new facility will house several disability services that operate in the area, including the Tuesday Night Club, Pecky’s Limited, Sunshine Homes and Independent Living for the Physically Disabled.
During the construction of the centre, Blacktown City Council employed two artists, Tia McIntyre and David Capra, to produce a mural for the front of the building with participants from the disability services. A series of art making workshops were conducted and the artworks produced feature as part of the buildings exterior and interior.
“Given the mural was 20 meters long, it was not without its challenges,” says David Capra, “The work is a testament to the artist’s’ great skill and enthusiasm. Over the course of the project, it became clear that we needed to arrive at a design that illustrated the group’s close bond they all shared.”
As professional artists and skilled arts workers, both Tia and David also have experience in working with people with a disability. Their awareness and sensitivity enabled them to establish a good rapport with the workshop participants, as well as identify and harness each participants skills and talents.
For more information on the Sargents Centre Mural Project, contact Blacktown Arts Centre – Miguel Olmo, Audience Development & Community Engagement Officer, tel: 02 9839 6247 or miguel.olmo@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
