Access Arts and QYO: Spotlighting Connection

29/09/2025

Access Arts and Queensland Youth Orchestra:

Spotlighting Connection

September 29, 2025

For Chantal (Access Arts participant), Dylan (QYO first violinist), and the delighted audience, something extraordinary unfolded at The Old Museum Concert Hall this September.

In a powerful collaboration between Access Arts and Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO), artist Chantal Simpson took to the stage alongside the full Queensland Youth Orchestra 3, in a performance that will be remembered long after the final, beautifully suspended note played by Dylan and the orchestra. Such a rare moment this is — when movement, music, and meaning align so seamlessly on stage.

Chantal, a long-standing member of the Access Arts Theatre and Dance Ensemble, performed a stirring solo choreographed in response to Hope: For Orchestra — a work composed during the height of the COVID pandemic. With Dylan Jae Huang leading as first violinist, the orchestral score echoed the collective feelings of uncertainty, loss, and resilience that artists around the world experienced during that time.

Chantal’s performance translated this emotional landscape into movement with both vulnerability and strength, weaving through the music with grace and power. Her connection with the orchestra — and particularly with Dylan — created a captivating dialogue between sound and body

Amazing experience dancing to music by the Youth Orchestra. I’m so proud of what I have been able to achieve — a huge thank you to Access Arts and QYO for creating such a beautiful performance and for all the support.

— Chantal Simpson, Performer

The collaboration marked a significant milestone in inclusive arts programming in Queensland. With the partnership having a lasting impact on QYO’s young musicians, many of whom had never shared the stage with an artist with disability in such an integrated way.

This collaboration with QYO was a profound moment for Access Arts. Seeing Chantal perform with such grace and emotional power, in dialogue with a live orchestra, was a reminder of what’s possible when we center access and share our artistic spaces.

— Tim Brown, Arts Manager, Access Arts

It was an absolute privilege to partner with Access Arts and witness the magic that unfolded on stage. Chantal’s performance added a unique and deeply human layer to the music. For our young musicians, this was a meaningful and unforgettable artistic exchange.

— Amanda Jolly, Executive Director, Queensland Youth Orchestras

We look forward to many more years of collaboration between Access Arts and Queensland Youth Orchestra. We thank everyone for their support in making this happen.

Photos by Access Arts. Featuring Chantal Simpson and members of QYO during rehearsal and performance.

Is your provider closing? We’re here to support you.

18/09/2025

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September 18, 2025

Is your provider closing?

We're here to support you

September 18, 2025

Is your provider closing?

We're here to support you

Hearing that your current provider is closing can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering what’s next, who will support you, and how your daily life will be affected.

At Access Arts, we’ve supported many people through times of change. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible – so you can keep focusing on what matters most to you, whether that’s your creative practice, community connection, or everyday supports.

What happens now?

If your provider has already closed, or will be closing soon, Access Arts can help you:

Continue receiving the supports you need – without gaps

Understand what comes next, including making changes to your NDIS plan if required

Get clear answers to your questions about your supports and your home

Take the time you need to make the right decision – with no pressure from us

Transitions made easier

Every transition is unique, but they all deserve one thing – care. At Access Arts, we’ll listen to you, understand your current supports, and ensure what matters to you remains at the centre.

We can help you:

Keep your supports running smoothly, with no interruption

Navigate any NDIS plan changes if they’re needed

Explore your options at your own pace

If you choose Access Arts, we’ll make sure the handover feels clear, simple, and seamless

Why choose Access Arts?

Access Arts has been championing creativity and supporting people with disability for more than 40 years. We’re part of the CPL Group – a registered NDIS provider with a strong track record in safety, quality, and person-centred support.

Why choose Access Arts?

What we do

We exist to elevate artists working across both visual and performing art mediums, promoting the importance of their art through facilitation, advocacy and education.

We create development opportunities for visual and performing artists to grow their skills, pursue their artistic practice, showcase and sell their work. We advocate for equality for artists with disability within the arts industry.

PERFORMING ARTS

We offer year-round programs to provide a creative outlet for participants to express themselves in their own style of movement or music.

VISUAL ARTS

We offer year-round workshops for both experienced artists and complete beginners.

GRANTS & AWARDS

Our grants and awards fund the development opportunities, guidance, and exposure artists with disability need to pursue their artistic practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to start from scratch?

Not at all.

If your creative journey is already flowing, we’ll do everything we can to keep it moving.

Our team will work with you and your previous provider (where possible) to make sure your classes, rehearsals, or studio time continue without disruption. Familiar mentors, fellow artists, and routines that support your practice will stay in place wherever possible.

We’ll focus on what matters most to you – so you can keep building your skills, developing your art, and sharing your creativity with confidence and peace of mind.

Can I change my NDIS Provider anytime?

Yes.

Your NDIS plan belongs to you, and you have the right to choose the provider that best supports your needs.

Is switching providers complicated?

Not with Access Arts.

We’ll guide you step by step and assist with paperwork and coordination.

Will there be a gap in my supports?

No.

We’ll work with you to make sure your services continue without interruption.

Can Access Arts provide different types of support?

Yes.

We offer a wide range of services, from in-home supports and community access to creative workshops, training, and professional pathways in the arts.

Do I have to tell my current provider?

We can guide you, or your Support Coordinator, through a respectful transition, including how and when to notify your current provider.

What happens after I switch?

We’ll take time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and creative interests. Your supports will be designed around you, and you’ll always stay in control.

Need to talk it through?

You don’t have to make any big decisions today. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and make the process feel manageable.

Get in contact:

Take creative risks, realise bold ideas and reach new audiences

14/08/2025

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Access Arts

achievement award

Take creative risks, realise bold ideas and reach new audiences

Applications are now open

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2025 Access Arts Achievement Award

Access Arts is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Access Arts Achievement Award. Whether building on an existing work bringing a new one to life, this is a rare opportunity to lead your own artistic vision. Apply today.

What is the Access Arts Achievement Award?

The Access Arts Achievement Award offers up to $10,000 in funding for Queensland Artists with disability to create, develop, present, produce, exhibit and/or tour their work. This is a life-changing opportunity that has supported incredible projects over the years which is evident in the success stories of its past winners.

Supporting all forms of art, the Access Arts Achievement Award is designed to help you take your project to the next level. Whether you want to start from the beginning, or extend the life of a current project, this award can make it happen. It fosters artistic excellence, leadership and visibility through supporting d/Deaf and disabled artists to take creative risks, realise bold ideas and reach new audiences.

Key Details

Applications open for submission:

Thursday, 4 September 2025

FREE online grant-writing workshop:

Wednesday, 8 October

(12:00pm – 1:00pm)

Applications close:

Friday, 7 November 2025

Winner Announced:

Early December 2025

Applications close in:

Days

Hours

Join Our Free Grant-Writing Workshop

To help you create a compelling application, or to figure out how to start one, Access Arts is hosting a FREE online grant-writing workshop on Wednesday 8 October from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

The workshop will delve into:

To attend this workshop, register by Friday, 4 October.

Past Recipients

Michael Russell

Michael Russell has spent time by the beautiful Mary River in Maryborough, throughout 2025 working alongside dramaturg and playwright Ian Brown to turn his book of poetry titled ‘About a Boy’ into a performance piece. Together, Michael and Ian select and interpret poems from the collection to create a script that will be brought to life.

Donna Lawrence

Donna Lawrence is using her 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award to create the ground breaking visual exhibit “Light and Shade” which opened in August 2024 at the well-respected Belco Art Gallery, Canberra. Her work challenges the stigma Donna aims to challenge the stigma around Borderline Peronsality Disorder (BPD) through an explorative and interactive visual journey.

Oliver Hetherington-Page

Oliver Hetherington-Page the 2022 award winner, is a neurodiverse theatre-maker. Oliver, known for his cabaret “The No Bang Theory”, used the award for the creation of his new cabaret work “Santa Claus is Autistic” which had its premier season in 2023.

Making Space for All: Our Festival Story with QPAC

18/07/2025

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Making Space for All:

Our Festival Story with QPAC

July 18, 2025

Access Arts (CPL) is proud to have partnered with QPAC as an Access Partner for this year’s Out of the Box festival for children eight years and under, working alongside QPAC and CPL families to help shape a vibrant week of live performances, sensory-friendly zones, and inclusive programming for children with disability.

One of the standout moments was Wonderbox by Sensorium Theatre – a beautifully crafted and highly specialised performance designed to welcome young audiences with disability and their friends, children who are often excluded from live events. One parent shared their heartfelt response:

“From the moment we arrived, I was struck by the care, thought, and inclusivity built into every aspect of the experience... My son not only stayed for the entire show, but he laughed, participated, and showed genuine awe... Wonderbox opened up a part of the world that my son is so often excluded from and gave our family an experience we will never forget.”

— Parent, Anonymous

The performance used non-verbal cues, key-word signing, and a thoughtfully designed sensory environment to create meaningful, inclusive engagement. For this family, and many others, the experience was both joyful and deeply moving.

Across the festival, audience feedback celebrated small but powerful access-first details like Social Stories, Slow Down Zones, and inclusive theatre etiquette that helped families feel more at ease in public spaces.

“It has been a wonderfully rewarding opportunity to work with the Access Arts team. Your knowledge, generous guidance, and advocacy for truly putting inclusion upfront have been invaluable. I’m grateful for all we’ve achieved together - and what’s still to come.”

— Megan, QPAC

We’re incredibly proud of this collaboration and thank QPAC for making space for conversations that start with access, creating a culture where every child can belong, explore, and be included on their own terms.

Affordable Art Fair Brisbane 2025: A Celebration of Inclusion and Creative Excellence

23/06/2025

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Affordable Art Fair Brisbane 2025:

A Celebration of Inclusion and Creative Excellence

June 23, 2025

From 8–11 May, Access Arts proudly took part in the Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, transforming the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building into a collector’s paradise filled with creativity, collaboration, and community.

The Access Arts stall was a standout success, selling a record number of artworks and showcasing inclusive arts practice and its potential appeal to commercial buyers. We were honoured to exhibit the work of 19 talented Access Arts artists, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best galleries in the country. This event was a milestone—both for selling artwork and for participating in such a buzzing, inclusive marketplace.

Thanks to the generosity of Affordable Art Fair (AAF), Access Arts was invited to participate as a charitable partner. This gesture provided our artists with invaluable exposure, professional recognition, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with art buyers and curators.

"I made a point of sharing that the majority of my work at the stall was raising awareness about who Access Arts is, and that the AAF sought us out to make us a charitable partner. It really does work in their favour to have us there—it shows they are serious about inclusivity."

— Walter Stahl, Arts Facilitator, Access Arts

Image description: Three photos featuring Access Arts’ artists in front of their gallery, showing artwork created by them.

Visitors responded with enthusiasm and curiosity—many were delighted to learn about Access Arts’ 42-year history. Hundreds of brochures and business cards were distributed, helping spread the word about our mission and the extraordinary work of our artists.

While the sales figures were exciting, the event’s real impact was seen in personal connections, artist validation, and a genuine sense of celebration.

“This milestone is so much more than sales — it’s a bold statement about the power of inclusion, creativity, and community… This is what collective impact looks like.”

— Billie Lewis-Cassidy, Group GM Social Impact & Community Development, CPL

For many artists, the experience of exhibiting at one of Brisbane’s premier visual arts events was profoundly affirming. Several artists attended daily, proudly introducing themselves, their peers, and their processes to the public. In fact, through these interactions, artists helped sell three artworks by directly engaging with visitors, an extraordinary achievement that highlights the strength of our artistic community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this success possible. To our 19 exhibiting artists, you inspire us. Your talent, courage, and voices made this event truly unforgettable.

Stay tuned for more highlights from Access Arts in 2025!

Rock the Bells: An Access Arts Showcase

10/12/2024

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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!

‘About a Boy’ a winning project from the Access Arts Achievement Award

December 3, 2024

Micheal Russell has been announced of the recipient of the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award.

This award, sponsored by CPL – Choice, Passion, Life, provides Queensland artists with disability up to $10,000 in funding. The award is a game-changer, designed to help artists to create, develop, present, produce, exhibit and/or tour their work whether to extend the life of an existing project or bring new ideas to life.

Micheal an accomplished poet, performer, playwright, MC and workshop facilitator, will work alongside dramaturg and playwright Ian Brown, to translate selected poems into a script for a rehearsed reading featuring a talented ensemble of performers.

Micheal shares his thoughts on what the award means to him and his plans for the future.

My goal for this grant is to develop a script that translates About a Boy into a multi-artform performance. The themes of this work will generate the sense and experience of loneliness that is like an ache that cannot be explained. My voice and story need a wider audience. I have a dream that my work will change the lives of people with disabilities for the better. I aspire to be a household name in the performance genre. I want to express the story of my journey and explore the human elements we all share.

Micheal has dedicated over 20 years fostering creativity and connection within the arts community. As a founding member and leader of the Brotherhood of the Wordless, a collective of non-speaking writers, Micheal has inspired countless individuals to explore and express their creativity.

With a record number of submissions to the Access Arts Achievement Award this year, our judges praised Micheal’s work, saying

Congratulations, this project is amazing. I am on team genius. This project is a testimony to overcoming challenges and insurmountable odds. The passion required to motivate your achievements is inspirational. Keep doing what you are doing. This is a poignant reminder of the therapeutic, educational, transformative power of storytelling. And having a voice is a birthright regardless of how we express our voice.

Judge Marianne Wobcke

Micheal’s work exemplifies the profound impact of storytelling in the arts, and we can’t wait to see how ‘About a Boy’ evolves. Stay tuned for updates as Micheal continues to inspire change and creativity within Queensland’s arts community and beyond.

Us and All of This Performance

22/10/2024

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Celebrating Togetherness:

Access Arts in Us and All of This

October 22, 2024

We are thrilled to share the exciting performance opportunity our workshop participants experienced with Brisbane Festival 2024 as part of Us and All of This. This contemporary performance, created by acclaimed choreographer Liesel Zink, brought together 100 local dancers—including our very own Access Arts participants—to perform across the vast urban space of Brisbane Powerhouse.

Us and All of This unfolded as a “collective act of radical slowness,” inviting participants and audiences to reflect on the power of community and connection. The large-scale performance, set against the forecourt of Brisbane Powerhouse, created a mesmerising and calming experience, where performers moved together as one, challenging the fast-paced, isolated structures of our society.

Access Arts participants were thrilled to be a part of this event, where they not only performed but also prior and post performance artists gathered in the “Pleasure Dome’ warm up and meeting tent especially designed to support artists and at the end, received a commemorative Us and All of This t-shirt as a memento of their participation.

Created in collaboration with sound artist Lawrence English, the performance explored assembly and collectivity as a response to the modern era of over-productivity and dislocation. Through deliberate and connected movements, Us and All of This showcased the human body as part of a complex ecological system, uniting performers and audience alike in a ritual of togetherness.

Our participants took pride in being part of this powerful statement on collectivity, and we are grateful to Brisbane Festival for the opportunity to highlight the talent and creativity of our Access Arts community.

Stay tuned for more incredible opportunities to celebrate art, inclusion, and community with Access Arts!

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

21/10/2024

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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

View the exhibition artwork

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).

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.

- Tim Brown, Access Arts' Artistic Director

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.

Donna Lawrence's artwork is etched on top of a pink watercolour background. The artwork is a self portrait of Donna who is smiling and looking off to the side.

Are you our next winner?

16/09/2024

No Comments

Access Arts

achievement award

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award

Access Arts is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award. If you are a Queensland artist, arts worker or producer looking to extend the life of an existing work or create a new one, then apply today.

What is the Access Arts Achievement Award?

Supporting all forms of art, the Access Arts Achievement Award is designed to help you take your project to the next level. Where you want to start from the beginning, or extend the life of a current project, this award can make it happen.

Key Details

Applications open for submission:

Monday, 16 September 2024

FREE online grant-writing workshop:

Wednesday, 9 October

(12:30pm – 1:30pm)

Applications close:

Thursday, 7 November 2024

Winner Announced:

Early December 2024

Applications close in:

Days

Hours

Past Recipients

Donna Lawrence

Oliver Hetherington-Page

Join Our Free Grant-Writing Workshop

To help you create a compelling application, or to figure out how to start one, Access Arts is hosting a FREE online grant-writing workshop on Wednesday 9 October from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

The workshop will delve into:

To attend this workshop, register by Friday, 4 October.

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Access Arts and Queensland Youth Orchestra:

Spotlighting Connection

Is your provider closing?

We're here to support you

Is your provider closing?

We're here to support you

What happens now?

Transitions made easier

Why choose Access Arts?

Why choose Access Arts?

What we do

PERFORMING ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

GRANTS & AWARDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to talk it through?

Access Arts

achievement award

Take creative risks, realise bold ideas and reach new audiences

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2025 Access Arts Achievement Award

What is the Access Arts Achievement Award?

Key Details

Applications close in:

Join Our Free Grant-Writing Workshop

Past Recipients

Michael Russell

Donna Lawrence

Oliver Hetherington-Page

Making Space for All:

Our Festival Story with QPAC

Affordable Art Fair Brisbane 2025:

A Celebration of Inclusion and Creative Excellence

Access Arts Achievement Award Winner

Sponsors

AND THE WINNER IS...

Micheal Russell

Access Arts Achievement Award

‘About a Boy’ a winning project from the Access Arts Achievement Award

Micheal Russell has been announced of the recipient of the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award.

Celebrating Togetherness:

Access Arts in Us and All of This

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

Access Arts

achievement award

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award

Are you our next winner?

Applications are now open for the 2024 Access Arts Achievement Award

What is the Access Arts Achievement Award?

Key Details

Applications close in:

Past Recipients

Donna Lawrence

Oliver Hetherington-Page

Join Our Free Grant-Writing Workshop

GET IN CONTACT

An Exhibition by
Access Arts Artists