Art exhibition celebrates all abilities

Published on 19 May 2021

An art exhibition that celebrates community and explores the importance of connection in the wake of pandemic-generated isolation opens at City Hall tomorrow.

The City of Hobart’s Ability to Create program provides a creative outlet for local people living with a disability, culminating with an annual public exhibition.

This year’s program has taken on a new format, born out of the feelings of isolation and disconnection brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Physical isolation was challenging for many, and this program has helped people in our community to reconnect through art,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said. “This exhibition is a celebration of creativity and the partnerships that help build a more inclusive community.”

Three community artists – Artistic Director of Drill, Isabella Stone; Tasmanian musician and composer Rachel Meyers; and emerging oil painter Maggie Jeffries – were engaged to mentor and co-create work with the Ability to Create artists.

“The mentoring process offers a reciprocal learning opportunity for Ability to Create artists and community artists alike,” Cr Reynolds said.

The exhibition is themed Connect and Reimagine and many of the works drew inspiration from a sculpture created in early 2020 by local artist Peter Jeffries.

The sculpture, which will be displayed at the exhibition, depicts hands in the position of the sign language symbol for “friendship” and was created in response to the theme “Connection”.

“We are also thrilled to have international award-winning Tasmanian artist Duncan Meerding attending as a guest artist and keynote speaker at the launch,” Cr Reynolds said.

In total, 85 artworks created over a six-month period will be displayed in the City Hall this week. Works are across a range of mediums, including sculpture, pottery, photography, film, drawings and paintings, as well as live performances.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds will officially open the exhibition tomorrow (Thursday) at 12 noon and it will be open to the public on Thursday from 2pm to 4pm; and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Community, Culture and Events Committee Chair Dr Zelinda Sherlock said Ability to Create played an important role in an inclusive community.

“Art speaks every language and overcomes every barrier,” Cr Dr Sherlock said. “This program helps to connect creative people of all abilities in our community and offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work.”

The exhibition is suitable for all ages and the venue is fully accessible. Admission is free.

Background:

The Ability to Create program was launched in 2013, following an approach by Freddy Lee-Mount, a community member living with disability. Freddy was committed to the idea of celebrating and creating awareness of the ability and talent of people living with disability in Hobart. The City of Hobart recognised this as an opportunity to foster community participation and inclusion, and worked with Freddy as he guided this project, identifying groups to participate and organising the exhibition.

The participating Ability to Create organisations and artists include: The Parkside Foundation, Mosaic Support Services, Life Without Barriers, Possability, Langford Support Services and art groups working from the City of Hobart’s positive ageing hub, Mathers House. Janelle McMillan and Freddy Lee Mount also exhibit as individual artists.

More information at facebook.com/abilitytocreate or hobartcity.com.au/abilitytocreate.

 Caption: Artist Peter Jeffries with his work "Connections"