This December in The Atrium, you won't want to miss our final exhibition for the year, celebrating the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on December 3 with a stunning exhibition of works by local artists who live with a disability. From December 5, you can view their inspiring works at Council's Civic Centre in Moss Vale.
"In the spirit of the International Day of People with Disability, our hope in hosting this wonderful exhibition at The Atrium is to foster inclusion of everyone in our community, regardless of ability," says Caroline Foldes, Arts and Culture Officer at Wingecarribee Shire Council. "Creative expression is something that connects us all, reflecting our uniqueness as individuals while exploring themes we can all relate to."
We'll be shining a spotlight on gifted local artists associated with Creative Space, The Disability Trust, Rosnel Hostel and Community Links Wellbeing.
Since 1992, when the UN General Assembly first designated December 3 as International Day of Disabled Persons, the UN has each year identified a theme to challenge the physical, technological and attitudinal barriers people with disabilities encounter in our communities. Highlighting the contribution people with disabilities make to the bigger picture, positive objectives of their communities, this year's theme is 'United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities'.
"We all play an important role in realising the aspirations of our community for achieving Sustainable Development Goals," Caroline Foldes says. " With this exhibition, the artists explore the unique perspectives and contribution of community members with a disability to shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Artists represented have shared reflections on their creative practices, delving into their unique identities as creatives and their personal perspectives on inclusion.
In Australia, IDPwD is a collaborative effort involving government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses, and individuals. The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services, funds a national program to promote and raise awareness of this day. Aligned with Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-31, the IDPwD program aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities.
"IDPwD is an opportunity for all Australians to be part of building a more inclusive and diverse society. For the 4.4million Australians living with a disability, events like this exhibition help to grow a culture of inclusion in our communities."
Enjoy the exhibition at The Atrium from Tuesday 5 December 2023 as we celebrate diversity and inclusion together. Artworks displayed can be purchased with price list available at The Atrium.
To meet the artists consider coming to the official launch which takes place next Wednesday 6th December from 2pm - 3pm in The Atrium, Civic Centre, Moss Vale.
