NDIS Arrives

The NDIS Arrives!

I sit here full of mixed emotions, form today the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out over the next three years. A scheme that acknowledges like all Australians people with disabilities are individuals and thus deserve individual tailored support to achieve their goals and aspirations. Support beyond what we need to survive.

For me that means support to extend my arts practise. A pipe dream eight years ago, a reality in 12 months time.  . . Only 12 to 18 months to hang in there.

Pride . . . I am proud of every person who stood up and said I COUNT! I have the same rights to access housing, employment, education, entertainment, sport and culture as everyone else in Australia. We call for the UN international humane rights laws to be up held. We call for the right to make decisions and choices for ourselves. We call to control our funding, not the government or services.

Our fight for our dreams and rights is not over (sadness), we now have to reshape our thinking and the thinking of others, while filling in more forms and getting our heads around a hold new would . . . while continuing to survive. The big day is bitter sweet.

Exhaustion while hanging in added my NDIS training needs.  Writing and rewriting plans. 

I chose to feel pride in the 100.000 of individuals who worked eight years to make life changing options a reality. A group of Australian citizens viewed as less than equals, incapable of decision making, decimated against in the workforce and segregation from community still occurs, tested our demonotartic power and birth a better way to do disability care.

With laws passed and new battle field emerges to educate general public and change historical views and perceptions. Bitter / sweet the war won . . . but the battle continues.

I STOOD UP

TO BE COUNTED!

Exhibiton News

It's been a busy few weeks with hanging exhibitions and opening nights.  My solo art exhibition Octopus Garden has another we to run at the Drawing Point Art Gallery, 203 Brisbane St, Ipswich.

I also hung my end of semester art exhibition at the Brisbane Institute of Art in Windsor.

Social Currency

What is the value of

your Social Credit Card?

No all exchanges are monetary. Today, many countries still use a barter system. Barter occurs when their is a discussion over the value of goods or services. As artists the discussion of the value of or how to value art is often discussion.  We are accustomed to debating value.

However objects are not the only way to measure value, time or labour and knowledge can also have a dollar amount attached to it. Artists are one of the few people not paid by the hour.  The value of our time is a whole another debate. As artists we often struggle with cash supply. So the question is "is using the credit card the only option when exhibition and production costs are adding up?

I think its time as artists we need to be honesty with ourselves, we often complaining about our work and time being undervalued, but do we value our time ourselves and the time of our fellow artists. For social barter to effectively work we need to have an ideas of the value our skills or personal resources are worth.  These may be useful tools if we want to engage a graphic designer for a local, we might be able to offer our skills and services in return. I am thinking I often make these kinds of exchanges with out thinking of it or its value.

Our industry teachers us to have an income we either apply for funding or we fundraise. But its that the only resources we have? I not sure how much fundraising you've done lately, but as an individual its hard work.  But its a lot easier if you have ten mates to give you a hand.

I wounder how many times this week you been asked for a cash donation? It has become also most constant. If your like me you don't mind giving a donation if you believe the money is going to something your really passionate about.  I think more and more donation are now being viewed as a social investment or an investment in our community.  When we make an investment we expect a return. So giving an artist $10 towards an opening and never seeing that person again, in not a return on a donors investment. . .  As an artists I try to earn social credit before asking for help or an outright donation.

I prefer to build relationships in the community, this earn respect, the local art supply shop might cost more, but I am also buying advice and experience in how the products work.  As a society these were once things we valued. 

I think we should not undervalue small business owners and the services the offer with the products the sell.  Even a local coffee shop might be willing to promote your exhibition is you are a regular customer and also recommending you to others.  Look I know this artists and she pretty good you might want to have a look at her work.

I have built some key relationships and I know they ask how my works going. I only need to say I got an exhibition is three week and they say where the flyers. 

There word of month advertising or a discount on catering all helps bring down my costs.  The lower my costs the higher my profits.  Well maybe one day the will be a profit.

In the meantime using social credit to build interest in my work still makes a lot of sense.  I am also the first person to offer advice to someone.  You never know when I might want advice form some one.  I am more likely to help someone who is a generous person themselves.  I find I not needing to ask for favours all the time, instead people offer help.

Social credit is essential in building an audience.  Get five people through the door and next time the might just bring their friends.  The old fashion values of respect and appreciation can buy you a great deal of social credit in your local community.

Deb's top social credit tips

• Personally support your local community. Shop locally!
• Support other artists - by word of month advertising, distributing flyers, or taking friends to their opening nights.
• Join a local artist group
• Assist others to fundraise
• Volunteer your skills or offer your skills in exchange for a service you require.

In The Octopus' Garden

I long to be under the sea . . .

. . . in the Octopus' Garden  . . .

Opening Night

24th June @ 6pm

Drawing Point Gallery

(Arttime, 203 Brisbane Street Ipswich)

Parking at the rear of the building.

My solo exhibition presents a fantasy underwater world

using greens, purples and blues with a few other colour thrown in to prove I can live dangerously.

Water for me invites a feeling of freedom.

This collection of work was produced during

the heat of the summer months which I think

largely determined my colour Platte.

The feeling of swimming in water gives me

the sensation of freedom.

Its is while swimming my body experiences

the freedom of weightlessness.

Freeing me from the restrictions of movement

I experience as a result of cerebral palsy.

Although my mind never truly stops the

process of creating, being embody in water

makes me feel like anything is possible.

It is this belief 'that anything is possible',

the drives my passion for using art to connect

my local community. Art has the powerful

ability to break down barriers and speak to

people from all walks of life,

It gives a voice to the voiceless

and healing to the broken.

I am a artists that identifies with disability.

In the main my work is pretty much mainstream,

with the use of strong colours appealing to me.

I am currently a student at the Brisbane Institute

of Art,  where I am refining my artistic skills.

This is my second exhibition hosted at

the Drawing Point Gallery

in my hometown of Ipswich.

Recently I had the opportunity to

show my work at the

Off The Wall Gallery

in St Peter's Sydney.

I am one of about 200 emerging

artists the takes part in the

Brisbane Rotary Art Specular.

I have sold my work through numerous

art exhibitions across Ipswich and Brisbane.

My inclusion in the mainstream art community

shows anything is possible.

My work will be on show

at the Drawing Point Art Gallery

Until the 2nd of July.

Opened 9 am to 5 pm

Daily (except Sunday)

My works can also be purchased

online @ my esty store.

If you make it I hope you will enjoy!

How to write your NDIS plan

Living My Life My Way

Under the NDIS

From July 1 the National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out. The NDIS changes the way funding is allocated to participants under the scheme. The dollar amount will be determined by the goals you list in your NDIS plan. The world - 'goals' has some people a bit nervous.

When we think of the word goal we think about what it is we want to achieve. For a child that maybe learning to walk. As participants are being asked about setting there goals and encourage to 'think big'! Some are saying . . .

Hey I like my life! I have a great time with my friends. Things are just find the way the are!

. . . And you know what, that is great because you have very clearly stated you choice and we know what that choice costs. The bad news is you still need to write an NDIS plan when you meet your planner. The funding you currently have was calculated base on what you or your family member could not do. Now funding is allocated on what the want to achieve and how they want to achieve it.

So for you family your NDIS plan is putting on to paper what you do now and how to do it.  Goals are often things we do without thinking about it. For example getting out of bed in the morning an going to work. So that may not sound terribly exciting, but that dose not mean its not a good goal.  Its a goal many people have the only difference is you or your family may need some help to achieve that part of your plan.

So what type of areas should your NDIS plan include:

• Living arrangements and independence
• Help you need at home.
• Schooling, Education and training
• Independent living skills
• Health and well being
• Recreation and sport

You will probable think of others as you go on your NDIS planning Journey. So lets look at what needs to be included in the plan you will take to the NDIA.

• You goals and the steps you will take to achieve them.
• How you achieve these goals now, unless you have new goals and want to dream a bit bigger.
• A list of current service providers and how they currently support you. i.e. Provide personal care and transport.
• A list of providers you now want to engage to support you and your family and/or a self-direction plan.
• A back up plan - what happen if mum or dad gets sick, or a member of your support leaves or the service provider closes its doors?  If all your workers are sick who will get you out of bed?
• The resource you need - this will include 'formal' and 'informal' supports. The formal supports are the things you are asking the NDIA to pay for and the informal supports are the supports that everybody in the community has.  Resources should include transport and equipment, This is the stuff that will determine your NDIA budget.  You would be given x amount of money and be able to spend it how you want.  You need to spend it how you present it in your plan.
• Priority - How important is each goal. If I don't eat I might die. If I don't have help to get out of bed, then I can't get to work. If the NDIA can not fund all your goals it may look at wants most important and be able to suggest informal supports.

So where does my art fit in my NDIS plan?

Many specifics about the NDIS are still unclear and there are variations from state to state around what is covered under the NDIS according to state priorities. Unfortunately funding for professional artists in still unclear. My advice is if you are intending to exhibit or sell your work to list this as a self-employment goal.

Art covers such a broad spectrum. For some people with disabilities it is activity they may take part in at a respite center or art club. Others are interested in learn art skills. Art therapy is very beneficial for improving communication and social outcomes, art maybe a hobby that provides a bit of pocket money or you may be an emerging or professional artist. The type of support you need for each of these activities will vary.

Here's a few examples:-

Goal area:                         Recreation

Goal:                                 To enjoy doing art with other people

Steps:                                To attend art group hosted by my service

                                          provider.

Resource                           Unit price charge by provider

                                           and transport

Priority:                             4 out of 5

Goal area:                          Training and Development

Goal:                                  To learn painting skills across different

                                           media.

Steps:                                 To do introduction to watercolour,

                                           Acrylics I & II and oil painting I and

                                           Expressive water media at Brisbane\

                                           Institute of Art one subject at a time.

How/Who                           One on one support, 5 hours/1 day a

                                           week and Transport, Self managed

                                           package.

Resources:                          5 support hr/week and transport costs

Goal Area:                          Employment

Goal:                                   To establish my own art practise and

                                            sell my artwork.

Steps:                                   Continue to develop professional skills

                                             Attend workshops and training offered

                                             by the community supported by a

                                             support worker.

                                             Exhibit and sell work trough galleries

How/Who                           Mentor and support staff as self-directed

                                            through host provider.

Resource:                            One on one support; personal assistant

                                            and transport including support to

                                            travel interstate - ie pay expenses of

                                            a companion.

Priority:                               After all my daily living needs are

                                            meet.

Planning for the NDIS is a very complex issue and this post only begins to scratch the surface of the documentation the NDIA may need to assess your requirements.  More information can be found on the website.

Arts Funding

Many people may be unconcern about cuts to the arts, and affect on our economy. The two seem distinctly unrelated. Firstly, as an artist and an arts worker whose main income is derived  from arts funding let me declare my biases. Then let me assure you, my DSP puts food on the table and pays my rent. 

As the founder of ArtISability, my interest in the arts is around connecting people. Art has this magical power to connect people and bring them together.  Art breaks down social barriers and communicates to us all. It weaves the fabric of society together: connecting the young and the old; different cultures and religious beliefs. Breathing opportunity for discussion and healthily debate via capturing differ views and objectives - sometimes without the utterance of words. 

Art speaks when we as a society are speechless. When we hurt it gives expression and provides healing. It gives us reason to smile, laugh and to dance, art gives colour to an otherwise grey world.  Art breaths life into our communities and the for economy. 

So let me take this opportunity to open your eyes to see what types of activities arts sector funding supports . . . Television, film, actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and production companies . . . Theatre, dance, performance, music, composes, song writers, musicians, clowns, comedy and drama. Box office, ticket tech, technicians, directors and cleaners . . . Our comics, story tellers, illustrators, scriptwriters, photographers. . . It bring design, colour and beauty to our homes, decorates the walls of our offices, hangs on the walls of our galleries and places of worship and its colours and picture bring life to old buildings. . . It educates our children before the start school, and prevents memory loss as we age. . . Creates  design for our clothing and decor. . . employment opportunities spills from the arts across tourism, leisure and retail.

It is a major contributor to employment and the economy. To promote the arts and invest in job growths in new industries and technologies. Why politicians view art  as a luxury we can not long afford and fail to acknowledge the stimulus in the economy I do not know. 

The arts belongs on the election agenda  cuts to art funding hurts you the general public than it does me as an artists.

Where is your logic?

The rights of all!

Frankly I don't give a dam about your rights,

If you need a gun, buy a gun. But I would

question if you think you need more than one!

Unless you use them for sport or hunting

or maybe you own a farm, I admit there is a need,

but I ask you to be responsible keep them,

under lock and key, when there not in use.

For in the wrong hands the a deadly,

In the hands of a depressed person or

someone psychic the become weapons of

mass destructions. We buy the message

our rights matter more because we abide the law.

Frankly I don't give a dam about your rights,

I care about the rights of children,

The right to an education without fear,

I care about the leaders of tomorrow,

I care about the freedom of speech and

the opportunity to express ideas and opinions,

without fear of judgement and condemnations,

I care about those so disillusion,

that the turn to the internet for answers,

becoming radicalised and trained to hate,

Where are there rights for freedom and protection,

there rights to be protected from access to guns.

Frankly I don't give a dam about your rights,

I not saying you can't or shouldn't,

I simply suggesting some people in the community

need protection - the kind of protection,

your guns can not provide for them.

What is more difficult? To put limits and safety nets

around, access to guns and gun ownership,

or to fight a faceless war online and lock down or

block out website that radicalisation.

We either find away to protect isolated youth,

from the dangers for cults and radicalisation,

or we make it harder to buy a gun.

We all have rights and the right to a future.

Debbie Chilton © Copyrights, 2016

What does it take to build an arts practise?

I once joked that writing a manuscript was about 10 percent of my job as a writer, 60% seeing the book through production and 30% Marketing. If being a write meant all I had to do was to write stories I might or stuck with it. Yet things are not so different as a visual artist, only I enjoy the process a lot more and the results can be more immediate, depending on what I'm working on.

So your artwork is complete . . . What's the next step?  We I talk to artists across the country the number 1 thing they want to know is how to sell their artwork.  If any of my readers have an answer to my question can they let me know.

I like to say all art is good art . . . and all art is saleable. Its the selling that is the hard part.  For me the magic formula is finding the right person, at the right time, with the write space available on their wall. I've given up on trying to figure out what people will and won't buy.  'Beauty is the eye of the beholder.' when it comes to art.

So after you find yourself with some art to sell - there's a few steps you need to think about:

Presentation

• How to present your work.  This of course depends on the type of artwork you created and where you want to sell it. But that is only one part of the job. The other is how to present yourself to a gallery, online or an art and craft market.
• As difficult as it is for some artists with disability, it is no longer, possible to present yourself as a professional artist if you haven't got an online presence.  Here I say anything is almost better than nothing.  It is easy to set up a blogsite, like mind, twitter account, facebook or intergram account to be your online face. Even if you do not have access to the internet a friend or support worker can put up a one page presence with your contact details and I am happy for you to use ArtISability as the contact if you need it.
• Every artist should have an artist statement.  Here's one I used once, I am artists, I create, life is great! I do not recommend you use it. 
• I have being writing a lot lately on the importance of Telling You Story. Whether your entering a competition, writing a proposal for an art gallery, applying for arts funding or art residency or setting up a small business enterprise you need to have a story to tell.

Which would you be more likely to buy?

FOR SALE

Telephone 0456 777 777

or

"Mysterious" - line 'n' wash by Deb Chilton. Deb Chilton is a visual artist, author and poet, residing in Southeast Queensland Australia and an Emerging  Queensland Artist. She is annually invited to exhibit work through the Brisbane Rotary Club and enjoys vibrant colours.

Of course its taken me a few years to make a sale at this level. I have been enter this particular competition for 3 years.  Every artist has to make their first sale or win the first competition. At first all I had on my Artist Bio was - currently studying at Brisbane Institute of Art.  Now a few years later there's a few more things to say.

Building and Presenting a Portfolio

In this digital age increasing people ask for an web address to view my work.  There are many online platforms you can use to present you art.  Including a blog like mind.  Take the best possible photo of your work.  Pay someone if you need to.

When you present you work online do it with pride - crop you images before uploading. Of course you now have the option of selling you work and/or images of your work online.

Building your audience

Your audience is people who will either buy your artwork or help market you work.  Before selling your work, people need to know who you are? What type of art you create? How you create it? Most importantly where to find you and your art.

So its time to start telling your story and engaging in chatting to people about your art and your art development. With all this high tech stuff - word of mouth and a fan base built on relationships is still the most powerful tool. 

Everyone is competiting for our time and money, you have to find away to stand out and say. Here's my artwork and here's why you should buy it!

Hot Tips

• Enter competitions most also allow you to sell your work. At the very least you can say you've exhibited.
• Exposure giving as many people as possible maximum ways to view you art, Your local library might show a few or your pieces. You want to get people recognizing and talking about your artwork.
• Tell you story, tell it offer and tell in on different formats.
• Visit other art exhibitions and get to know the market place.
• Develop a support group or network group with other artists.
• Look at the prices other people are putting on their work.
• Get yourself a business card.
• Join a visual arts network.

Develop a business plan

• Where will I connect with my audience?
• What is the best way to connect to my audience?
• Set up a online page?
• Let people know where and how to find you?
• Outline your story
• Prepare your portfolio
• How will you fund your start up costs.
• Where and how will you produce more artwork.

I am still very much writing my own story and learning how to tell it well.  But I hope this gives you a few tips to get started.

The Art Of Telling Stories

One of the things I gleaned on my was, the art of telling our stories.  Tell our stories is important for a few things.

1.    To build of audience

2.    Building a support base as you build your practise

3.    Asking people to invest in us and our work.

One my clichés at present is, opportunities don't this happen, we create them. There's plenty of people out their competiting for our time and money.  Art collectors and art lovers want to buy more than a piece of art, they also want to buy a story. Either the story of the artists or the story the art is telling to the audience.

Your investors on the other hand want a return on their investment. An investment may be made in time, in cash or inkind use of property or service. All investments regardless of their dollar amount a of equal value. Unless you can 100% fund your art projects they are not viable.  We need all investors and we need to ensure we make them feel valued.

 Kylie Stevens is another Ipswich Artists, she has  invested in my career in a number of ways. The most challenging me into booking a gallery, before I even believe in myself. 'Come on I write you in now . . . How about . . . May?

Kylie works at the local art store always ready to advise on my supply needs.  When you going to bring some of your work in. . . Turned out Kylie was a Debbie fan, and she was the first person to invest in my work.  No sale pitch, no I want to sell my work. 

In fact it was a few months later I found out she was my buyer, Kylie was investing in the story I had and my work in the local art community. We now have a working relationship and support each other.  What investors want is 'a relationship' or partnerships. You may find a few random people making one-off donations, but more and more people and business are wanting a return on their time and money.

For some that's an opportunity to become involve in your work, for others it's a memento of the project.  Each of us, has a 'social currency', it is our job to find out what our investors want.

Just as I have used the story to illustrate how to engage with your investors telling your story will enable you to create interest, build your audience and attract investment.  By tell your story you are creating your own opportunities.

Who should you share your story with? Every person you meet is an opportunity to share your story. Meeting people at the bus stop or the train.  And what do you do for a living. . . "Well I work at Woolworths so I can eat and pay the rent, but I am a professional textile artist."  Use a sentence that creates an opportunity for further conversation.

Share your story in a chance meeting is not about sales, but building up you confidence, preparing to share it with differ audience and maybe at you next fundraising event. I like to think everything is preparing me for the next step in my journey. If people are really interested you should have photos of your artwork on your phone, when you pull out you phone share how you created the work.  Here is the perfect opportunity to show your passion.

It is your passion that will attract your investors.  Investors do want to invest in people just looking for the 10 minutes of fame or quick cash.  They are looking to be involved in a long term journey, there wanted a return, how can you help them. This is also known as 'social currency'. Like my friend Kylie, investing in my journey has meant my wiliness to support her jigs.

If the person likes you artwork then they might ask if you sell you art work and where, this in when you know the person either is potentially interested in buying your artwork or at least wanting to come on a journey with you.  Sometimes sharing your story will need to be more formal or even written down and documented. For example if you wanted to apply for arts funding for a project.  You also will need people to say, hep that's what you've been work on and you do a pretty top job at it.

The other place where you can share your story is on Social Media. Social Media includes, Facebook, Google Hangout, Twitter, Blogger, Instegram, Utube, and much more. When you share your story online, unless your uploading a video to utube, people will not here the passion in your voice and you also have a very limited space to give your message. Twitter is a voice that potentially gives you a large reach, the catch is you need to be able to tell your story in 125 characters.

doodler seeks attention this Friday @ 6pm drawing point gallery

You can twit more of your followers can ask for more information. So starting to be more deliberate about the way you share your story today!

More tips on how to fund you art projects and opportunities are posted on our facebook page regularly.

How to know your NDIS ready . . .

The National Disability Insurance Scheme or the NDIS presents a change in the way people with disabilities are supported. All people with disabilities are being encourage to have a greater say in the way the want to be supported.

The NDIS put in a nut shell is about encouraging individuals and families to make their own choices on things such as, employment, therapies, study, level of independence, lifestyle and leisure.

Some people are OK with how their lives look now.  Others may like to change their living arranges or even an opportunities to try new things.  Its ok not to make changes or its ok to make changes. Its all about you!

Any change - even a new flatmate is scary. So its ok to be frighten. That's why we as service providers are encouraging you all to think about what you want now - so we can help you prepare. 

We would love to see more people with disability participate in the community, part of that is bringing in more support around study and employment.

If your reading this blog post then my hunch is your thinking about if and how your interest in art maybe incorporated into your support plan.

I want you to think about what that may look like for you. Art can involve many different things.

A hobby

Something you want to learn more about

It could involve formal study

It could be work related

It could be as a professional artists.

Under the NDIS their are no specific guidelines around the 'arts'. So you might want you think about.

Is my art a recreation goal - 'I just want to have fun'.

Is my art about learning skills?

Do I want to sell or make money from my art?

Do I want work in a art related business.

Under the NDIS I have no intentions of changing my goals, but I would like some changes in the way my support is delivered and who it is delivered by.

My NDIS goals are:

1. Independent living - living safely in my own home.
2. Health & wellbeing - focus on the aging process - this like my mobility equipment needs will change and keeping active.
3. Work life Balance - I run my own business but in that I need to self-care. My 'level' of art fits within this goal, but I  also want to continue, learning.
4. Learning for life - extending art skills and business skills development. (Some of these things I can do for myself, but I need a support worker to assist in a particular way.
5. Leisure if you follow my blog you know I enjoy traveling.  But the NDIA needs to know my work also involves travel.
6. Planning for the unexpected, plan A does not always work. If might support staff are sick or away can I access a temp agency. What happens when workers leave, What if self-managing is just too hard? - Things will never always go to plan so the better prepared you are the better.

The NDIS rolls out across Australia from July 1 this year.  The rollout time tables are now available on NDIS Website while not all the information you will need is available, identifying what you like to change and what you goals are will help get you ready. Remember you are not alone. If you currently receive support your service provider will provide information and plan templates.  Talk to your current support workers or family members as them to write your goals with you.

Know what you are doing now and what if anything you might want to change. For example you might want to join an art group. That is something you need to put in your NDIS plan.  It might be attending a respite centre with an art program will suit you.

Breaking down your goals - setting you goals is only the first piece in the puzzle.  Not all your goals will need support from the NDIA some of my health and wellbeing needs are meet through the public health system. But my healthily lifestyle and the aging process goal may enable me access to a private physio and OT.  No MASS systems means I need and OT to now prescribe my mobility equipment.

Goal Maintain Health and Wellbeing:

For me includes:-

1. Healthy diet plan - I see a dietitian for this.
2. Exercise - currently I am doing 1 session of hydrotherapy a week I like to ask the NDIS to continue to support this and some land exercises as well.
3. Regular GP visits is also part of this goal. In these visits we evaluated my living independently from time to time. I am not always the most objective person in this insistence.

So once you identify goals then you need to break these down into steps and work out who is the best service or person to help you. Ultimately this is what your asking the NDIA for.

• A place in an visual arts program for people with disabilities or a support worker to assist me to make art at home.

This is a clear and reasonable request to make.

The more clear on the type of support your after, the easier the assessment process will be.  This is what NDIS ready means.