Disability providers Able Australia and Endeavour Foundation, along with the City of Boroondara will celebrate ‘Inclusion through Art’ on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December 2019. The public art exhibition features works created by people with a disability in Boroondara and gives the community an opportunity to appreciate the creative talents of artists with a disability.
Every year, Able Australia marks International Day of People with Disability with an art exhibition. For almost 20 years, Able Australia has been providing art therapy to people who are deafblind and others with complex disabilities. The therapy program is immensely popular as it allows its clients, many of whom have little or no verbal communication, the opportunity to express themselves through their artwork.
“Our aim has always been to give our artists the opportunity to exhibit their work publicly. These exhibitions also give us the opportunity to educate the public at the same time,” says Able Australia CEO, Kate MacRae. “This year, the City of Boroondara has given us the opportunity to celebrate International Day of People with Disability with another likeminded disability provider, Endeavour Foundation.” Artwork from artists with a disability will be on display at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 3 December 2019.
Endeavour Foundation runs the QArt Gallery in the Kew Court House at 188 High Street, Kew. Opening in 2010, QArt Gallery provides a fantastic opportunity for the artists to showcase their work, connect with the community and make their work more accessible. Their vibrant creations adorn a range of commercial products sold through QArt including limited edition prints, bags, gift wrap, calendars, greeting cards, acrylic art tiles, aprons and tea towels.
“Our artists are so excited to have the opportunity to put their artwork on display at the Hawthorn Art Centre,” says Jan Rawlinson, QArt Manager. “It’ll be particularly special for the artists to be able to meet the general public and talk about their artwork.”
This is the City of Boroondara’s second event to mark International Day of People with Disability.
“When we were approached by ABLE Australia, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to support and showcase this group of uniquely talented artists”, said Mayor Cr Cynthia Watson.
“This art exhibition represents a triumph of creativity in the face of great life challenges. All the artists are to be congratulated for sharing their considerable talents with the Boroondara community. I hope the experience will empower them to achieve even greater things”, said Cr Watson.
“The City of Boroondara is committed to delivering on its Disability Action Plan to build a vibrant, and inclusive city and ensure people with a disability are able to participate in all aspects of community life in Boroondara”, said Cr Watson.
“Able Australia, Endeavour Foundation and the City of Boroondara are proud to be working in partnership to put on this exhibition,” says Kate MacRae. “As society becomes more and more fragmented, these events are a lovely reminder of just what is possible when we collaborate and work together.”
International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated universally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
‘Inclusion through Art’ will be held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 3 December 2019. The event will include two sessions, the first of which starts at 10am and the second at 11.30am. During each session, members of the public can view the artwork on display, hear from some of the artists and work with Art Therapists from both Able Australia and Endeavour Foundation to create some art for themselves, while experiencing what it might be like to have a visual and/or hearing impairment.
