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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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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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