Celebrating inclusivity and diversity, while recognising the talent and creativity of artists living with disabilities is at the heart of a newly created category by the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize.
The ‘Artist Living with a Disability’ category will feature in next year’s edition of the art prize and will be proudly sponsored by Minda.
Artistic flair and individual brilliance are commonplace across several MyPath Day Options programs, making the decision to sponsor the newly created category that much easier.
One of the popular programs is Pottery, which provides an opportunity for clients to use clay and an in-house kiln to produce fantastic projects.
Client Ann, who been involved in the program since last year, said she has been able to create many great pieces of art, such as ceramic mushrooms, Christmas decorations, tea plates, and bowls.
Additionally, the meaningful friendships that Ann has developed through the program has been one of the massive highlights.
“They’re all my special friends and they all like me. I like the staff, and pottery gives me something to do,” Ann said.
After running the program for several years, disability support worker Beth Woof said she enjoys engaging with different groups of people with varying levels of ability.
“Everyone’s abilities are different, so the day is catered to their abilities. Everyone gives everything a try,” Beth told the Adelaide Park Lands Association recently.
When clients want a break from pottery, they will go for a walk by the beach and check out the dogs on the boardwalk and enjoy the wonderful landscape.
For Beth, she is “blessed” to do what she does. “I’m living my best life, getting to hang out with the coolest people, who just shine light on every situation.”
Entries for the ‘Artist Living with a Disability’ category will be open until 31 January 2025, with the exhibition for the finalists will be held in March-April 2025. To enter, please click here.