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Rock the Bells: An Access Arts Showcase

3 DEC 2024

Rock
the Bells

Access Arts Showcase
& Afternoon Tea at KPMG

Access Arts, in collaboration with KPMG Brisbane, proudly presented Rock the Bells: Access Arts Showcase & Afternoon Tea – a vibrant end of year celebration that dazzled with theatre, dance and song.

This special event highlighted the work of the Access Arts Theatre and Dance Ensemble and the Access Arts Singers, bringing together captivating performances, heartfelt connections, and shared moments of joy through ensemble performances and inspiring solo works using movement, singing, monologues and poetry readings. 

The afternoon unfolded with dynamic theatre pieces and stunning movement duets that wove powerful stories and deep emotion into the showcase, adding depth and texture to the event. The audience was captivated by the creative expression and storytelling that filled the room, through the use of vibrant choreography and lively audience participation which infused the event with bursts of energy, and colour, demonstrating the profound impact of art. 

Adding to the magic of the afternoon, the Access Arts Singers delivered an extraordinary performance, delighting the audience with a long list of favorites including “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and “Silent Night”. Their renditions created moments of joy, nostalgia, and unity, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Access Arts Achievement Award Winner

The showcase provided the opportunity to announce the winner of the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award, Michael Russell, alongside being able to present him with his certificate. 

The showcase concluded with a shared afternoon tea, where guests, performers, and supporters connected over delicious treats. This was made even more special thanks to the incredible support of KPMG volunteers. Their warmth and generosity ensured every guest felt welcome and cared for, playing a vital role in creating an uplifting and memorable experience for all.

Rock the Bells truly embodied the spirit of Access Arts, celebrating creativity, community, and the joy of coming together through the power of performance – an unforgettable way to end the year on a high note!

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A successful opening for Access Arts’ ‘Grow’ Exhibition at KPMG

Grow

An Exhibition by
Access Arts Artists

Access Arts, in partnership with KPMG present their newest exhibition

'GROW'

A Successful Opening for Access Arts’ ‘Grow’ Exhibition at KPMG

Despite a stormy evening, the opening of Access Arts’ “Grow” exhibition at KPMG on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, was met with a fantastic turnout. Guests braved the weather and were rewarded with an evening filled with beautiful artwork that reflected the vibrant, plant filled environment of the KPMG Brisbane office space.

The event was officially opened by Isabel Stankiewicz, a past winner of the Access Arts Achievement Award, who delivered a heartfelt and impactful speech. Reflecting on her own artistic journey, Isabel highlighted the importance of advocacy for access and inclusion in the arts. Her words resonated with the audience and set the tone for the evening, celebrating the creativity and highlighting the importance of supporting artists with disability.

The exhibition’s collection brought together unique interpretations of the theme ‘Grow,’ which explored human connections with nature, plants, and animals. This shared  focus created a powerful and united presentation, with artist’s offering a fresh perspective on growth and transformation.

‘Peregian’ by Access Arts’ artist Jeffrey Parker (Left).

Despite a stormy evening, the opening of Access Arts’ “Grow” exhibition at KPMG on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, was met with a fantastic turnout. Guests braved the weather and were rewarded with an evening filled with beautiful artwork that reflected the vibrant, plant filled environment of the KPMG Brisbane office space.

The event was officially opened by Isabel Stankiewicz, a past winner of the Access Arts Achievement Award, who delivered a heartfelt and impactful speech. Reflecting on her own artistic journey, Isabel highlighted the importance of advocacy for access and inclusion in the arts. Her words resonated with the audience and set the tone for the evening, celebrating the creativity and highlighting the importance of supporting artists with disability.

The exhibition’s collection brought together unique interpretations of the theme ‘Grow,’ which explored human connections with nature, plants, and animals. This shared  focus created a powerful and united presentation, with artist’s offering a fresh perspective on growth and transformation.

‘Peregian’ by Access Arts’ artist Jeffrey Parker (Left).

Despite a stormy evening, the opening of Access Arts’ “Grow” exhibition at KPMG on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, was met with a fantastic turnout. Guests braved the weather and were rewarded with an evening filled with beautiful artwork that reflected the vibrant, plant filled environment of the KPMG Brisbane office space.

‘Peregian’ by Access Arts’ artist Jeffrey Parker (Left).

Despite a stormy evening, the opening of Access Arts’ “Grow” exhibition at KPMG on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, was met with a fantastic turnout. Guests braved the weather and were rewarded with an evening filled with beautiful artwork that reflected the vibrant, plant filled environment of the KPMG Brisbane office space.

‘Peregian’ by Access Arts’ artist Jeffrey Parker (Left).

The event was officially opened by Isabel Stankiewicz, a past winner of the Access Arts Achievement Award, who delivered a heartfelt and impactful speech. Reflecting on her own artistic journey, Isabel highlighted the importance of advocacy for access and inclusion in the arts. Her words resonated with the audience and set the tone for the evening, celebrating the creativity and highlighting the importance of supporting artists with disability.

The exhibition’s collection brought together unique interpretations of the theme ‘Grow,’ which explored human connections with nature, plants, and animals. This shared  focus created a powerful and united presentation, with artist’s offering a fresh perspective on growth and transformation.

On the night, each artist had the opportunity to speak about their works, offering guests personal insights into the creative process and the stories behind each piece. This unique interaction allowed a deeper connection between the artworks and potential buyers, making the experience more meaningful and immersive for all involved. 

Adding to the exhibitions’ magic was the innovative use of digital displays, including a striking dome ceiling feature that showcased the artworks in a stunning, new light. 

Feedback from KPMG following the event has been overwhelmingly positive, and interest in the exhibition continues to grow. 

It was a remarkable evening, filled with warmth, support, and genuine interest in the incredible artworks on display. This year's exhibition, 'Grow,' brought the artists together in such a cohesive and powerful way, showcasing the evolution and depth of their work. The feedback from KPMG has been fantastic, and I’m thrilled that the interest in these artworks continues to grow, making this one of our most successful exhibitions to date.

Six artists successfully sold their artworks on the night, with more sold in recent days. Artists who sold pieces on the night include Michael Mulvey, Jeffery Parker, Kerry Beazleigh, Peter Hughes, and Sue Yule, which is a testament to each artist’s talent and a fantastic outcome.
With the exhibition running until 13 December 2024, there’s still plenty of time for art lovers to experience these beautiful works on display and support the talented artists behind them.

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My World – Access Arts Exhibition

Discover
'My World'

A Captivating Visual Arts Exhibition by Access Arts

Discover
'My World'

A Captivating Visual Arts Exhibition by Access Arts

25 July – 27 September 2024

St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

Access Arts is thrilled to announce the return of its visual arts exhibition, ‘My World’ hosted at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital. Running from Thursday 25 July –  Friday 27 September 2024, this year’s showcase represents a bold offering, providing a concentrated glimpse into the featured artists hearts, minds and imaginations.

The exhibition presents a collection of 50 new artworks created by Access Arts studio artists, exploring themes such as surrealist imaginings, adventures in nature, beauty, and awe. Each piece is a unique exploration of personal experiences and memories, inviting viewers on a journey through the artists’ worlds.

 

Among the highlights is Andrew Pemberton’s ‘New Zealand’, capturing the serene beauty of New Zealand beaches, and Michael Mulvey’s ‘Beach Holiday’, where water-based oils on canvas bring to life the coastal charm of the Gold Coast’s Labrador Beach to life. These artworks invite the audience on a journey that responds to the theme of ‘My World’ which encapsulates the artist cherished holidays and memories.

ANDREW PEMBERTON - 'NEW ZEALAND'
MICHAEL MULVEY - 'BEACH HOLIDAY'

Other artists have chosen to express their emotional journeys as a glimpse into their world. In ‘Unseen Strength in a Summer Field’, artist Sue Yule depicts herself as a single sunflower standing tall amidst a field of wildflowers.

SUE YULE - ‘UNSEEN STRENGTH IN A SUMMER FIELD'

“The sunflower, with it’s bold yellow hues, represent those living with invisible disabilities, myself included. Despite the challenges that may go unseen, the sunflower thrives, symbolising the unwavering hope and resilience. The surrounding wildflowers represent the beauty and strength found in the community, reminding us that we don’t face these challenges alone.”

– Sue Yule

Further exploring the theme of resilience and hope, Yvonne Denehey ‘s artwork ‘The Bright Side’, reflects on showcasing the ability to withstand life’s seasonal upheavals and find light during dark days, to face each day with deep-rooted strength and intention.

THE BRIGHT SIDE
YVONNE DENEHEY - 'THE BRIGHT SIDE'

Whether you visit the exhibition in the halls of St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, or explore ‘My World’ online, you’ll have the opportunity to experience these captivating works of the artists. The artworks are available for purchase only until the 27 September, so don’t miss this chance to bring a piece of ‘My World’ into your home or office.

My World

Thursday 25 July - Friday 27 September 2024
St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

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Festive Fusion: An Access Arts Showcase

Festive Fusion: An Access Arts Showcase

Christmas came early for those who attended Festive Fusion: Access Arts Showcase and afternoon tea, hosted at the prestigious KPMG Brisbane, located on Turrbal and Yaggera land in Meanjin/ Brisbane. 

 

Once again, Access Arts collaborated with KPMG to showcase the talents of its Performing Arts workshop participants through theatre, dance and song pieces centred on the theme: Festive Fusion. 

 

Perfectly aligned to Access Arts’ mission to elevate artists with disability or disadvantage, Festive Fusion embodied a harmonious blend of art and culture. The showcase captivated the audience through its celebration of the diverse voices of talented artists who drew from their unique life experiences and desire to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. 

 

The announcement of the 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award winner, Donna Lawrence, and highly commended recipient, Isabel Stankiewicz, was a fitting beginning to proceedings. Both artists expressed their gratitude and shared their excitement looking ahead to 2024. Read more about the Access Arts Achievement Award and the 2023 recipients here: Access Arts Achievement Award

As the performers prepared for the showcase, Karina White the Access Arts Theatre and Dance Ensemble and Skills-Extended workshop facilitator, spoke about how the performance came together, with each participant invited to select a song and explore where the music transported them The artists built on their skills as they developed for performance pieces from Unite and Otherwise at Undercover Artist Festival. This showcase allowed the participants to uncover new ways of connecting.  

Audience members were invited on a fun and festive journey as participants took to the stage to present group or solo theatre and dance pieces to a wide array of music, including Christmas hits, old and new, and hip hop remixes and classics.

   

The Access Arts singers were up next, with a score designed to ignite the Christmas spirit and showcase their range, and featuring Brooke Austin, who has returned to Access Arts to lead the group after some time away. The songs performed by the group involved solo and duet performances which displayed the group’s range of talent.  

 

To close the showcase, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” got the audience clapping, and the Access Arts Theatre and Dance Ensemble and Skills-Extended groups up dancing and singing along. It was a perfect way to mark the start of the festive season and celebrate the end of an incredible year for all the Access Arts participants, staff and facilitators.   

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Looking Back, Looking Forward – Access Arts’ 10th Anniversary

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Artwork: Birds of a Feather (Detail) by Brisbane Outsider Artists

An exhibition by Access Arts celebrating the
10-year anniversary of KPMG’s sponsorship of its artists.

24 October — 9 December 2022

Art exhibition

KPMG Brisbane, Riparian Plaza

Access Arts is proud to present Looking Back, Looking Forward – an exhibition which shines a light on talented Queensland artists and starts a conversation about the need for greater recognition of artists with disability.

 

Created by artists from Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists’ studio, Looking Back, Looking Forward is kindly supported by KPMG Brisbane, the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund, Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner and Cr Vicki Howard - Central Ward, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

 

This exhibition celebrates the 10th anniversary of KPMG’s sponsorship of Access Arts artists with disability. The theme, Looking Back, Looking Forward was chosen by the artists to highlight their creative evolution over the past decade and symbolises the development of their creative practice throughout this time. 

Exhibiting artist Kerry Beazleigh said the opportunity to speak about her work publicity at the private viewing last year allowed her to overcome her anxiety.

 

“The KPMG exhibition gave me a feeling as an artist of being very supported and valued,” Kerry said.

 

Her piece this year, Reflecting on Life’s Journey, encourages the audience to delve into their own reflection of life.

 

“In this painting, the symbolism of the mountains hides the uncertainty of what is coming next, while the river represents the twists and turns that life take,” Kerry said.

 

Fellow artist Lisa Blake said she reflects on this year’s theme in her painting The Stars are Aligning, which focuses on coming from the past and heading towards the future.

 

“I have used the rainbow pathway in an older artwork and more recently I’ve been painting stars, so it is looking at my older and newer styles of painting,” Lisa said.

 

The exhibition has provided an opportunity for both artists to explore their futures, reflect on their past and see how far they have come.

 

“The KPMG partnership has been a good opportunity for me to exhibit and sell work in different mediums and meet the person or organisation who has bought my work” said Lisa. 

Looking Back, Looking Forward will be exhibiting at KPMG Brisbane, Riparian Plaza from Monday 24 October until Friday 9 December and will feature a catalogue of Access Arts and KPMG Brisbane exhibition history, collaborative components and artworks created specifically for Looking Back, Looking Forward. The exhibition features 23 new artworks by 18 artists. 

 

All artworks are created by Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists and are available to view and
for sale online via accessarts.org.au/looking-back-looking-forward.

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A welcome return to St Andrew’s for Access Arts

St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital | Dancing Colours Exhibition

15 June – 16 September 2022 | Art Exhibition | St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, 457 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill Qld | Turrbal and Jagera Country

Created by artists with disability from Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists workshops 

It was a wonderful night at the official launch of the Dancing Colours Exhibition at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital on Tuesday 14 June 2022.
 

The theme, Dancing Colours, has been chosen by the artists as a pathway to explore uplifting and playful imagery with a vibrant colour palette. Artists have drawn on a broad range of subject matter and experiences such as exotic sea creatures, dancing under a disco ball with family, enjoying a festival of flowers and bushwalking in Toohey Forest surrounded by bird life.   

 

Dancing Colours will exhibit at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital from 14 June – 16 September 2022.

All artworks are available for sale, created by artists who attend Access Arts‘ Brisbane Outsider Artists’ Studio and Digital Media workshops.

 

Visit accessarts.org.au/dancing-colours to view and purchase artworks.

 

Artwork credit: Ghostly Buildings Protruding, by Dion Halse

 

About Access Arts

Access Arts is Queensland’s acknowledged leader for arts and disability. We create career pathways to paid work, and advocate at every opportunity for our artists to chase their artistic dream. Through art, Access Arts transforms lives.

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An artwork by Andrea Carroll. It is a painting of a dark coloured bird

Visitors – An exhibition by Access Arts

Artwork is The Visitors by Andrea Carroll

KPMG Visitors Exhibition

Available for purchase online until 30 January

Created by artists with disability from Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists workshops 

Access Arts is proud to present, Visitors. An exhibition that shines a light on talented Queensland artists and starts a conversation about the need for more recognition for artists with disability.

The theme has been chosen by the artists as a way to come to terms with hopes, fears and desired personal freedoms.

Visitors to the home, visitors to the wide outdoors and visitors that inspire our imagination. Each artist has taken a unique perspective on their own freedoms – to move, shapeshift and reimagine the future.

 

Access Arts’ exhibition themes are consciously inclusive to allow for the diversity of expression and process. Artists are assisted to actualise their personal visions, acknowledging the value of their individual conceptualisations.

 
Visitors exhibition is available to view online until 31 January 2022. All artworks are available for sale.
Visitors was exhibited in-person at the Underground Foyer at Brisbane Powerhouse 1 – 12 December 2021.

About Access Arts

Access Arts is Queensland’s acknowledged leader for arts and disability. We create career pathways to paid work, and advocate at every opportunity for our artists to chase their artistic dream. Through art, Access Arts transforms lives.

 

Visitors will exhibit at the Underground Theatre Foyer from 1 – 12 December 2021.
All artworks are available for sale, created by artists who attend Access Arts‘ Brisbane Outsider Artists’ Studio and Digital Media workshops.

 

Visit accessarts.org.au/visitors to view and purchase artworks.

Visitors is kindly supported by the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund Central Ward and KPMG Brisbane.

 

Artwork credit: The Visitors by Andrea Carroll

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