When Our Vocies Are Heard Through Art

Yesterday 'Having Your Voice' art exhibition opened at the Ipswich Community Gallery. During the week I asked the community to come and see our exhibition with an open mind. So they came.  We were so very well supported by the community. Our collective art exhibition screamed ability.  Together our voices told our stories and our stories told why we want to be included. 

The exhibition was hosted by Arts Connect Ips. Inc. a mainstream group of artists who actively support individual artists and the arts community as a whole.  The exhibition was inspired by Glen Smith the President of Arts Connect after seeing an exhibition organised by Access Arts (Qld). In a little under 12 months, Glen inspired the Ipswich Community to get on board.  I counted at least 5 different art groups who were involved and it was wonderful to meet the artists and family members and for them to experience this high level of community support for this extraordinary display of skills and talent. 

Each wall spoke of the ability of the artists involved.  The conversations were about ability, the artists stories and art.  Very little was uttered about the challenges we as artists with disabilities face, until Chris showed up.

Chris' performance described the challenges and the fears that every visual artist, writer and performer faces.  We artists with disabilities are no different, only we have a few additional barriers, but yesterday we all managed to shine.

Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme or the ndis, these artists should be supported to engage in the creation of their work.  Yesterday was a perfect example of the community participation the ndis was designed to foster.  The community embraced us and we embraced them. 

Many have asked why we need the ndis? Having your Voice Exhibition is why. For too long in our society people with disabilities have not had a voice. Thanks to Arts Connect people who face challenges have our collective voice and inclusion in the arts is happening.

I am aware that we in Ipswich and Arts Connect have not yet won the fight, but we certainly took a giant leap forward. 

I look forward to watching the development of the artists in the years to come. 

In closing I thank the people of Ipswich for their support.