OnTrack Tasmania is excited to announce its Third Annual Art Exhibition, which will take place from 8th to 13th November 2023 at Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre (77 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point).
The theme for this year’s event is “Re-imagining the Future”, and the exhibition is set to be a thought-provoking and intriguing experience. The event will showcase artworks that envision new possibilities for technology, society, and the environment, offering a platform for OnTrack Tasmania Participants to display their creative expressions and celebrate their artistic achievements.
OnTrack Tasmania is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider that provides Supported Accommodation, Community Access, and Support Coordination services to people who live with disabilities and experience mental illness. OnTrack Tasmania offers an ever-growing variety of fun and engaging programs and activities to NDIS Participants through the Making Tracks Community Access program. One popular Making Tracks activity is the weekly arts and crafts sessions that allow Participants to be creative and bring out their inner artists using various artistic outlets such as clay, paints, and more.
The art sessions have resulted in big achievements, including the successful showcasing of two art exhibitions, featuring over 100 paintings. The exhibition provides a platform for Participants to share their artwork with the public, resulting in the sale of the art pieces. This accomplishment celebrates the Participants’ artistic abilities and highlights their growing recognition and commercial success. It allows Participants to gain exposure, build confidence, and experience the fulfilment of their artwork being appreciated and valued by others. The fact that their artwork is sold demonstrates their talent and creativity and the support and appreciation they receive from the community.
One Participant made an acrylic painting for his mother for Mother’s Day. Another Participant, Tania, was surprised at her artistic ability after creating several unique and beautiful artworks. “When I first came here, I had never really painted in my life, and I have surprised myself … I have proven to myself that I can do it,” she says. Tania’s family has dubbed her the “artist in the family” after seeing her artwork. “Mum has said to me we have got an artist in the family,” she says.
The art sessions allow the Participants to express themselves creatively and provide a sense of companionship and friendship. One Participant said he likes the satisfaction of doing something and finds the sessions peaceful, fun, and fulfilling. Tania is happy to have the opportunity to create artwork for herself and the community. “[The art class] gives me an opportunity to get out and do something for myself and for the community, and I enjoy coming here and [I enjoy] meeting new friends,” she says.
This year’s exhibition will be bigger, and it promises to be an exciting event that will showcase artists living with disabilities’ unique visions for the future. You can support the artists by attending the exhibition, asking the artists about their artwork, and purchasing the pieces that resonate with you.
To gain a better understanding of the art events, here is a link to last year’s event by Salamanca Arts Centre https://www.sac.org.au/event/discovering-ability/. If you would like to find out more about the upcoming event or the art sessions, contact 1800 668 722 and ask to speak to a Community Access team member.