An exhibition in Chatswood is shining a light on social inclusion
An array of artworks by talented members of the community with disability will be open for the public to view when the Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate art competition opens in Chatswood from 25 November to 13 December.
Now in its sixth year, the competition is open to adult members of the community living with disability, experiencing social isolation or at risk of marginalisation.
The exhibition includes drawings, graphic art and paintings and is hosted by Willoughby City Council.
Ellen Miller, council community venues and services team leader, says the initiative was born after she saw the benefits and opportunities that art therapy offers to people living with disability.
“We were looking for opportunities for council to support the disability sector; (and) we realised there were many individuals doing art therapy,” Ellen says. Council decided to showcase that work.
Council then launched its program as part of Social Inclusion Week and International Day of People with Disability. Ellen says that the number of participants has been increasing every year, starting from 12 in the first year to 80 entries in 2023.
“The major goal of the competition really is to empower community members to share their thoughts on disability and social inclusion through the artworks and showcase their creative talents and promote themselves as artists,” she explains.
The pieces submitted will be displayed during Social Inclusion Week at the Dougherty Community Centre and must reflect one or more of the three themes: connect, collaborate and celebrate.
The winner of the exhibition will be announced on 3 December by Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor at the invitation-only morning tea, celebrating International Day of People with Disability.
The overall winner will be awarded a $500 pre-paid voucher and offered the opportunity to hold a solo artwork exhibition.
“The experience is extremely rewarding. (In the past) when we’ve announced the winners of the competition, we’ve had all the artists come in with their care workers and parents and friends and relatives. And the joy in the room is unbelievable.
“It really showcases their talent and what they can actually do. I think that’s a really important part of what we do,” Ellen says.
The free exhibition runs from 15 November to 13 December at the Dougherty Community Centre in Chatswood. See the Willoughby City Council website for details