Welcome to our September 2015 newsletter.
Accessible Arts is pleased to hear that the Australian Senate has supported a motion which could force television stations to introduce audio description services for blind people, and people with low vision. The technology and accessible content exists, and the Senate is calling on Australian broadcasters to take this important, permanent step towards equality and access to cultural life for the 350,000 Australians who are blind or with low vision. The full article on the motion can be read online at Probono news.
Sculpture by the Sea 2015 is fast approaching and the Tactile Tour program is now open for booking. The program also provides audio description tours for participants who are blind or with low vision. Cost is FREE. Please visit the Sculpture by the Sea website to find out how to book.
Call for artist submissions to the UK 'My Life' Shape Open art prize is open. The Shape Open is an annual call-out for artists with and without disability to submit work in response to a disability focused theme. Exhibiting artists will be selected by a panel of arts industry judges to show their work at Shape Open patron Yinka Shonibare MBE’s Guest Projects space. The winning artist will receive a £1000 prize. This year's theme, chosen by Yinka Shonibare, is 'My Life'. Visit the Shape Arts website to apply.
[Banner Image: Artwork by Alison Hall for the arts + disability 'stick' photographic exhibition]
Are you excited?
The 2015 arts + disability expo starts tomorrow! Over two days we will be showcasing 27 organisations that have products and services available for individuals, groups and families wanting to fully participate in the arts.
Along with the exhibitors, there will also be a Cultural Program with talks and performances by some very talented groups including the Royal Rehab Choir.
The expo is free to attend so bring along your friends and family for a great day out. If you can’t join us at Carrigeworks, you can follow all the expo action on our social media including the expo ‘Take a Selfie with Stranger’ competition on Instagram.
Connect with us for expo updates:
Twitter.com/accessiblearts @accessible arts | #accessiblearts
Instagram.com/aartsnsw @aartsnsw | #accessiblearts
The Beyond Technique Residency is on again!
Expressions of Interest are now open for Australian and international artists wishing to attend the third annual live-in dance residency. This week-long skills development and performance-making project will take place at Bundanon Trust’s Boyd Education Centre from Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 November, 2015.
This project is accessible for participants with physical and/or sensory impairment, and is suitable for dancers with learning difficulty. The Boyd Education Centre and accommodation is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and there will be a team of Auslan interpreters available for Deaf artists.
Studio A (formally known as Studio ARTISTS) were super excited to launch their new brand at the 2015 Sydney Contemporary Art Fair. Hosted by Carriageworks, Sydney Contemporary describes itself as presenting ‘over 90 galleries from 13 countries, offering visitors access to cutting-edge art from some of the world’s most respected artists, as well as the opportunity to discover the next generation of emerging talent'.
Studio A artists Mathew Calandra and Greg Sindel each showcased a range of new work at the four-day event. Inspired by the classic 'NeverEnding Story' film, Calandra’s work ranged from soft sculpture to etching. Sindel’s work included screenprints, and a fresh of press graphic novel ‘Horrendous Myths’.
Sydney Contemporary’s public program included a live comic reading by Sindel and live drawing by Calandra. Greg Sindel also featured work in the Volume Art Fair held at Artspace over the same weekend. To check more of Studio A artwork and events, or to order your very own ‘Horrendous Myth’ publication please the Studio A website.