Art that ELEVATES everybody

Published on 26 July 2023

Hobart Town Hall will be transformed into an interactive, intergalactic sensory space station as the City of Hobart launches the Ability to Create 2023 Sensory Exhibition: ELEVATE.

The 3-day fully immersive exhibition program provides a platform for over 80 people with disability and all-ability artists to showcase their work.

City of Hobart Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said the exhibition aimed to motivate change towards a better future City.

“This year’s theme ELEVATE is about bringing community together through creativity to lead the way in accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity,” Cr Burnet said.

“The large-scale installations and artworks will support an inclusive environment with accessible, interactive, tactile and sensory elements, allowing everyone to enjoy them.”

Creative City Portfolio Chair Cr John Kelly said the program builds the skills and capacity of all-ability artists.

“We want to dissolve the barriers between those living with or without a disability, and see our all-ability artists and performers recognised within the broader arts community,” Cr Kelly said.

Since April, dozens of local all-ability artists have been coming together each week to collaborate with creative mentors Georgia Lucy, Jon Smeathers, Richie Cyngler and Timothy Hodge, who shared their expertise in sound design, lighting, green screen, digital content creation and visual arts.

Multidisciplinary artist and mentor Georgia Lucy is excited to be riffing on the theme 'Elevate'.

“The opportunity to be involved in a collaborative artistic process, paired with a take-over of Henry Hunter's historic heart of the city will be an enriching experience for all involved,” Ms Lucy said.

“It's going to be an outright party indeed and everyone's invited.”

All-ability artist Veronica Norton said she loved the creative environment provided by being part of the exhibition development.

“I am proud of what I created for this exhibition. It makes me happy!”

Ability to Create 2023: ELEVATE – A Sensory Exhibition will be held at the City of Hobart Town Hall Ballroom, Thursday 27 July to Saturday 29 July from 10am-2pm.

Entry is free.

Visit hobartcity.com.au/abilitytocreate