Some Inspiration . . .

Art is an activity and a passion that can be explored by anyone. As this young artist with a spinal cords shows. Art is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the community who share your passion. At ArtISability we understand that despite your talents, accessing your local art community can be difficult. 

Which is why we will be supporting 10 artists with a disability to take part in a pilot program in March 2014.  We will be offering places to 10 emerging artists to take workshops in Oil painting, Abstract Art and Sculpture.  Each artist will be supported by experienced support workers to develop their existing skills and make links to the local arts community in the Ipswich Region. 

Our program her in Ipswich is funded through the Regional Arts Develop Fund, we seeks to support artists to further their artistic careers, in partnership with local council and Arts Queensland.  Our 2014 Partners include the Ipswich City Council, Arts Queensland, Access Arts Queensland and ALARA Queensland.  We also have members of the local community who have volunteer to provide one on one support as need during the program. 

We the hope to showcase these talented arts to the local Ipswich Region through other opportunities during 2014.  

• If you are an emerging artists living in the Ipswich Region
• Have an significant disability or mental health issues
• Desire to increase your artistic ability. 
• Would like to connect with other artists living in the region

We would encourage you to download an application form. Please phone Debbie on 3281 3218 if you would like this information in a different format or need additional information.

Applications close 14 February, to allow us time to write individual professional artists development plans for ArtISability participants.   

New Partner

We would like to extend our thanks and welcome to our new partner Access Arts for 2014. Access Arts will be providing direct support to our Project Officer, Debbie Chilton to allow her to efficiently deliver our ArtISability Programs through 2014.

 This bursary was awarded to Debbie  through Access Arts’ Rising Star Program. We also extend our appreciation to Arts Quensland as partners of the 2013 Access Arts Rising Star Program, which in the addition to Debbie's bursary to assist in the commencement of ArtISability in 2014, has assisted in Debbie's Professional Development as an arts worker throughout 2013.

2013 Program Postponed

2013 Applications are now closed! 

Due to poor response we have decided to move the program to March next year!

Our ArtISability Program is currently funded in partnership the Regional Arts Development Fund, this is a partnership between the Ipswich City Council and Arts Queensland to invest in the professional development of artists living with disability and mental illness in the Ipswich City Council and our March 2014 intake gives priorities to those living with the council boundaries.  However, others living outside the region have expressed interest and places not filled by Ipswich residents may be offered to others.  Although we continue to explore other opportunities and other formats with interested parties.  

What is the aim of the Artisability Program? The program seeks to develop the artistic skills of people living with disability and mental illness, while extending the links with the local arts community in which they live.  It is expected that the program will give the participants the confidence to collaborate with other artists on artworks and exhibitions. 

We focus on training, skills development and developing links with the local community for artists to further develop the artistic abilities. On completion of the program we hope participants will consider joining a local artists network, continue on to undertake further training, collaborate with other artists, and produce works of art to sell.

We give priority to artists who can demonstrate an existing sound knowledge of arts skills and the arts industry. Those applicants who demonstrate the ability to highlight how the program will enhance their ability to join their local arts community will be given preference.

The program running in March 2014 in Ipswich will be hosted by the ALARA Association.

Where:  Luke's Place 33 Salisbury Road, Ipswich.  

When: Saturday 1st March - 10 am start

            Saturday 15th  March - 10 am start

            Saturday 29th  March - 10 am start

Who:   Check eligibility citers  

Costs: $55 (Covers tuition, art supplies, support workers and lunch) 

How: Artists will identify the artistic goals and the outcome they want to achieve at the completion of the program.  For this the will chose from 3 different options. These being:

1. Oil Painting
2. Abstract Art (Painting)
3. Sculpture 

Other the month artist will build on the prior workshop skills to produce a artwork the may contributed to an art exhibition with they wish to participate. An example of an expected outcome from the oil painting class is:-

Applications for March 2014 Artisability Program are now open!

For more information phone Debbie on (07) 3281 3218

  

Artists: Astro Saulter 

Astro is a young artist with living with disability.  He as an artist works with digital imaging. As you will see in the video, Astro uses the same computer software as Stephen Hawkings to create his work. Astro is currently preparing for his third art exhibition.

Despite having no control  over the use of his hands, Aatro manipulates the art program through the controller. The ability to produce salable artworks is not reliant on the abilities we associate with artistic abilities. Creative juices sliver from the mind to appear on a canvas or in Astro case computer screen.

Every artists in entitled to access professional training and development opportunities and be assisted to maximize their potential market.  However, we live in society with many barriers. Our educational institutions are not always accessible and learning supports such as hearing loops are not always available, and sadly this is especially true for art studios. 

Art studios tend to be tuck away in disused warehouses and stairs, even those with access of fail to have accessible amenities. However access issues are not solely the propriety for those living with disability that affect their mobility.  Hearing loss can pose just as many access issues art artist's seek to find training to enhance their skills.

Traditional arts education is well grounded in theory and history.  Lack of knowledge in these areas does not impair the artists ability to work.  In the sale of works of art disability is irrelevant. However outside continually want to make it relevant and create barriers.  Society as a whole demands we comform to their standards to enter the market place.

Artisability can never create a fare playing field for artist with a disability, but we can assist to build bridges to remove some of the barriers artists like Astro face.  We can assist with things like education, communication and advocating for artists with a disability. 

The first step in the artISability program is to enable artists to set their goals, the second is to provide accessible training and professional development and lastly we provide information and assistance to access that information to link them to other artists living in the community.

Our pilot program begins next month if you live in the Ipswich City Council area and would like to become involve call Debbie on 0421 401 788 now! To book your place in the program and don't be shy invite your friends with disabilities to sign up too!  

ArtISability 2013

We at ArtISability are delight to announce the Ipswich City Council endorsed the sponsorship of the ArtISabilty Pilot Program through the Regional Arts Development Fund provided in partnership with Arts Queensland.

We hope to provide 10 places to artists living with disability or mental illness to further the arts careers and establish local networks.

We wish to extend our thanks to those who support us through the application process. With special thanks to the Staff at the ALARA Association who are partnering with us to deliver this program to the Ipswich Community.  

 
We now look forward to receiving your applications.  

LEARNING TO PAINT 

IN OILS

AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

With Judy Baker

This lovely Aussie monotone landscape is a very effective exercise in tone.

Students can set out their initial drawing freehand or with a trace and rub method.

It is desirable artists will complete this exercise at the workshop itself.

THIS PICTURE IS THE SECOND CHOICE FOR THE LANDSCAPE PAINTING WORKSHOP

We will discuss some colour mixing and methods for positioning your compositions on canvas.

Preparations of board and mediums and their applications

Care of brushes and cleaning products.

Palette selection and setting out of palettes.

Warm and cool colours,

These learning to paint in Oils workshops are an excellent way to learn and enjoy the experience with other beginners and intermediates.   Pleasant surroundings in a no stress environment, is the perfect chance to begin to enjoy the process of creating your very own masterpiece.

PLEASE NOTE ALL AT SUPPLIES ARE COVERED BY 

ARTIST'S  REGISTRATION ARTISABILITY FEE 0F $55  

ARTISABILITY WORKSHOPS

LEARNING TO PAINT IN OILS......LANDSCAPES

Tutor.. Judy Baker

BRUSHES, PAINTS, BOARDS and MEDIUMS ARE INCLUDED 

IN THE COST OF THE ARTISABILIITY PROGRAM $55 

Judith Baker is our instructor in Fine Arts for the ArtISability Program. Judy has a long association with the arts in the Ipswich Region. As you progress through the program you will take your landscape form a sketch pad to canvas and bring it to life with colour.

Week One: 2nd November 2013

This lovely Aussie monotone landscape is a very effective exercise in tone. Students can set out their itial drawing freehand or with a trace and rub method.

It is expected students will be able to complete painting at the workshop.

Topics explored through the program are:-

• Colour mixing and methods for positioning your compositions on canvas.
• Preparations of board and mediums and their applications;
• Care of brushes and cleaning products.
• Palette selection and setting out of palettes.
• Warm and cool colours,

"These learning to paint in Oils workshops are an excellent way to learn and enjoy the experience with other beginners and intermediates.   Pleasant surroundings in a no stress environment, is the perfect chance to begin to enjoy the process of creating your very own masterpiece."

Phone 0421 788 401 to book your place today.

Priority is given to Ipswich City Residents. 

Thank you for putting your hand up!

"ArtISabiliy Team Celebrating"
Disability Action Week 2013

Artisabily put the Ability tree up for the first time as we asked members of the Ipswich Community to put their hands up for ability. The program aims to focus on the abilities of those living with disabilities and mental illness!

With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme people with disabilities are looking to be supported to enjoy meaningful community participation. Through our visual arts program we endeavor to provide accessible professional train and link artists to their local community.  To achieve this we are current;y partnering with members and organisations in the Ipswich community to run our pilot [rrogram  In November and then extend it into other areas of South East Queensland. If you are interested in being involved or supporting us finically you can download application forms here.

To be eligible for our 2013 program you must::-

• Over the age of 18
• Reside in the Ipswich City Region 
• Be a practicing visual artist 
• Be living with disability or mental illness
• Need support to undertake skills development, study or art practice.
• Have a clear understanding of your artistic goals.  

       

If you think this describe you and you like to take part in the program download an application form and return in by 15th October and one of the team will get back to you. ASAP Because we're about ready to roll!  For further Information call Debbie on (07) 3281 3218 (Please note Debbie has a slight speech impairment) 

Thank you to the Ipswich Community for putting your hands up today!

Hello Missy

`Missy'

Would like to invite you 'to come put you hand up for ability on Thursday 26th September from 10am to 1pm at Browns Park, North Ipswich.  Creating you own robot friend will be just one of the craft activities you, children of all ages will be able to enjoy!

ArtISability is inviting the Ipswich Community to 'come put their hand prints of the ArtISability tree'  We hope to carry our tree where ever we present our program to visual artists living with disability and mental illness.  We chose to focus on the abilities of the artists we support rather than drawing attention to their disability.

ArtISability seeks to presents its Visual Arts Professional Development Program in partnership with our local community.  In 2013 we are being partnered by ALARA, Community Volunteers, Access Arts Queensland,  Arts Queensland, and RADF through the Ipswich City Council.  Because we believe these artist have ability and we want to support them to develop their artistic skills.

If you'd like to know more about the ArtISability Program come meet the delightful Emma and chat with her.  She has some goodies to give away and even application forms to fill out.  Debbie will be floating round too . ..  maybe creating butter flies. 

If you can't make it or miss us on the day you can give ArtISability A call on 07 3281 3218! 

Put your hand up for ability

on September 26th your invited

to come 'put your hand up for ability'.

Because 'Art' is 'Ability'!

Come join the community of Ipswich

at Brown's Park 

North Ipswich

to Gather Around Ability and

enjoy some good old fashion

fun and entertainment,

while your there make sure you visit

the ArtISability Table and find out all the

information you need you can also

collect your 2013 Application Form

while your there!

So com'on put your hand up for ability!

Thanks to the Ipswich City Council,

Mayor Paul Pisasale  

and the

Disability Services Network in 

Ipswich, Queensland Australia!  

Disability Action Week 8 to 14 September

Next week is Disability Action Week and it a great chance to focus on the ability and talents of those living with disability in our community. 

At ArtISability we seek to actively promote visual artist living with disability and mental illness in their local community.  Disability Action week is a great opportunity to put a hand up for ability. On September 26th 2013, the Ipswich community will have an opportunity to put their hand print on our ArtIsability Tree, which will travel from event to event until our tree is full of people saying I have ability!

Rather that focusing on the challengers face by artists living with disability or mental illness we want the ability of our artists to shine through.  To enable this to happen we will directly employ support workers to support our artist to further develop their skills and increase their art networks.

We are currently taking applications to join our 2013 program which gives artists the opportunity to develop skills in fine arts, abstract painting and sculpture.  If you are living with a disability or mental illness and are interested in furthering your skills as an artist then you can check out your eligibility here.

Application forms can be directly downloaded here.  Debbie is happy to answer any questions you may have about the program or your eligibility and you can phone her on 0421 401 788.

Or you can catch the ArtISability team on the 26th September at the Focus on Ability day, presented by the Ipswich City Council,  at 10 am to 1 pm, Downs Street, Browns Park, North Ipswich,.  Visit the Facebook Page for more information and make sure you invite your friends. 

Put Your Hand Up For Ability!

Application for our 2013 November intake are now open.

ArtISability Visual Arts Program

For Artist living with disability or mental illness

If you are passionate about art and you would like to further develop your artist skills and can tick the following boxes then we like you to apply to join the program.

• You have a disability level that requires support to enable you to develop your artistic skills. Or
• Are living with a mental illness
• You are over 18
• You reside within the Ipswich City Council boundaries
• You can demonstrate a sound knowledge of skills in you chosen visual art form.

You can download an application form here  (in word format)

If you require assistance to complete that application or require and the application form in an alternative format, please email Debbie Chilton or Phone 3281 3218 during office hours.

Please note: Debbie has a speech impairment

Our November intake will focus on Painting, Abstract Art and Sculpture with a focus on opportunities to develop community links and form partnerships on completion of the program.   

Our Program

The ArtISability Prgram is based in Ipswich South East Queensland Australia. The program is designed to assist the professional development skills of visual artists living with disability or mental illness in the Ipswich area.

A kin to all artist in what ever fields is the struggle for social and professional acceptance, with so much of ourselves invested in the work itself. As a artist myself so much of my worth as a artists is tided up in how my work is judge by others and what they are willing to pay for it.

Imagine if you had to add to this mixture of creative emotions the struggles that living with a disability of metal illness can bring. Imagine you could not enter a building you needed to do business in. Artists are in the business of selling there artwork but for artist living with disability, access things such as education, training and skills development can be difficult.

ArtISability is about sourcing funding to provide training and resource support services to enable visual artists to further their skills development. We would love to extend our program beyond the Ipswich boundaries, but we are currently struggling to gain funding to launch our pilot program. We are currently looking to local businesses and organisations to partnership with us in presenting our four week pilot program.

ArtISability strives to focus on ability. Many of our artist are very talented and once their work hangs on galleries the traces of disability disappear. Our role is not to advertise the person's disability but promote the artist themselves.