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
Michael 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.
Michael 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.
Michael 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.
Michael 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, Michael 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 Michael’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.
Michael’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 Michael continues to inspire change and creativity within Queensland’s arts community and beyond.
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!
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.
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?
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. Where you want to start from the beginning, or extend the life of a current project, this award can make it happen.
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 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.
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:
Where to start with your application
How to brainstorm and frame your project
What support material you need for your submission
How to budget your project
To attend this workshop,registerby Friday, 4 October.
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.
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.
“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.
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
Access Arts and CPL work daily towards breaking down barriers and reducing inequalities. Within our community, each individual contributes to a tapestry of remarkable stories.
One such individual is Karen Lee Roberts, winner of the Access Arts Achievement Award in 2021! The funding she received from the award was used to develop her show Sex and Other Philosophies, in collaboration with performing artists Lucinda Shaw and James Halloran. The show has gone on to be a huge success, exploring the meaning of the sensual and sensory aspects of life, through poetry, word play, playful dialogue, and original songs!
Using theatre and music to combat mental health challenges, Karen uses her art to find happiness and balance. Channelling her challenges with mental health, Karen uses these experiences to fuel and inspire her art and empower others to face their own challenges.
But there’s nobody better to share Karen’s story than Karen herself! Be sure to check out the video below, and hear Karen tell her story of overcoming barriers, and following her artistic calling.
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 ArtsTheatre 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.
A Tranquil Showcase: Access Arts presents 'Relaxed Frame of Mind' Exhibition
Art has the extraordinary power to transport us to different worlds, evoke deep emotions, and inspire us with its creativity. The opening night of ‘Relaxed Frame of Mind,’ a visual arts exhibition presented by Access Arts in partnership with KPMG, promised to do just that.
Hosted on the land of the Turball and Yuggera people, and for the first time at KPMG’s world class new offices in the Brisbane CBD the event opened on Wednesday 25 October with a private view and will run until Friday 8 December 2023.
‘Relaxed Frame of Mind’ gathers a collection of 46 artworks, contributed by 23 artists from Access Arts Visual Arts workshops. The exhibition centres on themes of the pursuit of peace, calm, and tranquillity, and the featured works that beautifully depicted these states.
The hero image of the exhibition, Awesome Peaceful Flowers, created by the talented Colleen Stevenson, captures the essence of ‘Relaxed Frame of Mind’.
Colleen’s work beckons viewers to explore the beauty of nature and how it makes you feel. This was amplified as the audience walked into the venue and saw her artwork projected onto the large circular screen on the ceiling that rotated and moved throughout the event, truly immersing them in the theme. “Flowers make me feel at peace and I love photographing flowers because they are so beautiful,” said Colleen of her artwork.
The exhibition was formally opened by the esteemed Lady Mayoress. With guests from various sectors including medical, corporate, disability, and the arts in attendance for the unique opportunity to meet and greet the talented artists who have poured their creativity into these captivating artworks.
Within the event space, the artwork was displayed on easels for the first time, which gave attendees the chance to wander the new venue and view the artwork up close. For those who were unable to attend the Private View the exhibition is available online to view and purchase Relaxed Frame of Mind – Access Arts
‘Relaxed Frame of Mind’ is brought to life by the unwavering support of several sponsors, including KPMG Brisbane, Brisbane City Council through the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund, and Cr. Vicki Howard Central Ward, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Their commitment to the arts is essential in making this exhibition a reality.
Otherwise: Exploring Alternative Sensory Approaches to Wellbeing
Our Undercover Artist Festival last month was a huge success and saw talent from all around the country to come together and perform in a four-day spectacular!
Our Theatre and Dance Ensemble performed alongside Access Arts Singers for an extraordinary performance where theatre, dance, and song joined forces to deliver an alternative look into the eyes of a world with no barriers.
As we watched, we were invited to draw upon our own perspectives to interpret this abstract masterpiece.
The performance wasn’t just a show; it was an experience. Fire’s passion, water’s flow, and air’s freedom came to life before our eyes. Through vibrant colors, entrancing soundscapes, and mesmerizing movement, we were transported into a world where the boundaries between art forms dissolved, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the power of human creativity.
The show invites audience members to suspend their preconceived notions of what a traditional performance should be.
Following the mesmerising theatre and dance, our Access Arts Singers took to the stage to bring us a brilliant collection of hits. They even surprised us with an original song that they had composed together, which truly was a showstopper.
But “Otherwise” was more than just a sensory experience. It was a celebration of diversity and genuine connection. It shattered the limits of convention and introduced us to a realm where embracing diversity was not only encouraged but celebrated. We left the theater that evening feeling the possibilities were limitless, and our differences were our greatest strengths.
“Otherwise” was an unforgettable performance, an ode to the human spirit’s boundless potential for creativity and connection. It challenged our perceptions and left us with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the arts. In the end, it wasn’t just a show; it was an invitation to see the world through a different lens, to embrace diversity, and to celebrate the beauty of a world without barriers.