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Us and All of This Performance

Celebrating Togetherness:

Access Arts in Us and All of This

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!

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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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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?

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?

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.

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

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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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

Sponsored by

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Karen’s Passion – The artistic journey of Karen Lee Roberts

Karen's Passion

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.

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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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A Tranquil Showcase: Access Arts presents’ ‘Relaxed Frame of Mind’ Exhibition 

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. 

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Otherwise: Exploring Alternative Sensory Approaches to Wellbeing

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.

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Applications Open for 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award

Applications open for 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award

Could you be the 2023 Award Winner? Do you need $10,000 for your current or next artistic project?

Applications are now open for the 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award 

Supporting all forms of art, the Award provides 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 game-changing opportunity for Queensland artists, arts workers and producers to extend the life of an existing work or create a new one!

Important dates

Applications Open for Submission: 

FREE Online Grant-Writing Workshop:

Applications Close for Submission: 

Award Winner Announced: 

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Wednesday, 8 November 2023

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Applications open for submission:

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Free online Grant-Writing Workshop:

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Applications close for submission:

Wednesday, 8 November 2023

Award Winner announced: 

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Projects may take place between: 1 January and 31 December 2024

To find out more about the award including how to apply, please visit Access Arts Achievement Award

Access Arts

Online Grant-Writing Workshop


Expression of Interest Form

This opportunity is open to anyone interested in applying for the 2023 Access Arts Achievement Award. 

The workshop will delve into the following:

  • Where to start with the application  
  • How to brainstorm and frame your project   
    • Does this fit the selection criteria?  
  • What support material you need for your submission  
  • How to budget your project  
    • How to use the budget template  
  • Questions and answer time 

If you need help completing this form please contact Access Arts on: 

Phone: 07 3505 0311 

Mobile: 0403 070 661 

Email: info@accessarts.org.au

 

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm 

To register your interest in this workshop, please submit your details via the below Expression of Interest form by Monday 16 October 

Read about last year's winner

Oliver is standing in front of a black background wearing blue glasses, an orange shirt and a colourful blazer. He is looking slightly off from the camera lens with a calm expression.

2022 Access Arts Achievement Award winner

Oliver Hetherington-Page

Oliver Hetherington-Page has been awarded the Access Arts Achievement Award for 2022 for the of creation of Santa Claus is Autistic, a new cabaret work that will have its premier season at Redlands Performing Arts Centre in 2023.

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Self Portrait – St Andrews Exhibition

Self Portrait - St Andrews Exhibition

Thursday, 27 July – Friday 6 October 2023
St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital

Level 3
457 Wickham Terrace,
Spring Hill QLD 4000

Access Arts hosted its fifth visual arts exhibition within the walls of St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital from July to October! This year’s visual arts display is titled Self-Portrait and offers a glimpse into the rich and unique life experiences of twenty-one visual artists from Access Arts.  

 

Through painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, and digital art, each artist shares what brings meaning to their lives and how they view their own character, personality and identity. 

Some artists have expressed aspects of their personality by portraying animals such as an majestic owl and the charming highland cow. Others have captured themselves engaging in activities they love such as painting, enjoying a coffee, strolling along the beach, immersing themselves in the ocean, exploring the depths through scuba diving, and embarking on drives around Mount Coot-tha. Whilst other artists have sought to give meaning to their life experiences through abstract imagery and symbolism.  

 

Visual artist Sue Yule, whose artwork style is illustrative, colourful and nature-based, said she worked on a digital platform to create her artwork Underwater Women for Self-Portrait. Sue says it’s been her favourite artwork to create as it shares a glimpse of Sue and an aspect of her life the audience has not seen before.  

Sue Yule - Featured Image - 725x435

I felt more at home under the water than I did on the boat - like the Underwater Woman. My painting is reflecting back on those days.

Jai Philips, whose self-described style is a little bit rustic and industrial but with attention to detail,says that his self-portrait is of him as one of his cartoon characters from ‘The Wild Triplets’ series he has created. He has used this character to tell the audience of who is he, and what he likes doing. 

“My artwork presents me as a happy character and a confident person who enjoys making art and soon to be doing new things that I’m looking forward to in the future”

Jai Phillips - Featured Image - 725x435

Each artist that has created artwork for this exhibition provides the audience with the opportunity to walk away knowing a bit more about each artist, and their individual style. Through their art, we learn that Levi Diball is smashing her fitness goals in Smashing It!, artist Tanya Darl shares her love of the Australian Outback, the native trees and the beautiful Australian sky in To Feel Good – Australian Outback. And Michael Mulvey shares his love of an iconic Brisbane location Mt Coot-Tha and the TV towers in Five Towers. All 21 visual artists have opened their worlds to share what brings meaning to their lives and offers the viewer the delightful opportunity to get to know the artist behind the creative work.  

 

You can visit the artwork on Level 3 St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital or view it online at Protected: Self Portrait – Access Arts. All artwork is for sale. 

Created by artists from Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists studio, Self-Portrait is presented by Access Arts, and kindly supported by St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, MinterEllison, Brisbane City Council through the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund and Cr Vicki Howard – Central Ward, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.  

Sponsored by

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