Previous Annual Reports for Download:   2006 Annual Report   2007 Annual Report

Patron's Message   

Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AO Governor of Queensland

Access Arts Inc (Queensland) is a wonderful organisation that plays a unique role in developing the creative arts in Queensland, working with energy and imagination to encourage new talent and in particular to support and engage communities, groups and individuals who experience disability and disadvantage. I am pleased and proud to be its Patron.

Since its establishment in 1983, Access Arts has extended its reach nationally and internationally, developing a series of dynamic partnerships which each year help to create an even more exciting program of events and workshops to stimulate the rich artistic talent in our State and to provide both established and emerging artists with new opportunities to develop their skills and artistic expression. The passion and commitment of the members, volunteers, management committee and staff of the organisation to supporting and extending creative expression is inspirational, as is their continuing commitment to innovation in developing new opportunities for people from all backgrounds and life experience to explore and give expression to their individual creativity and to realise their potential as artists.

I congratulate Access Arts on its significant achievements in 2008 and wish its members and supporters a productive and rewarding year in 2009

President’s Message   

Welcome to 2009 and may we have many more great years to come here at Access Arts. It has been a roller coaster ride of a year with lots of highs and some lows. This year was our 25th anniversary since the inception of Access Arts, a wonderful milestone for a creative organisation such as ours. This organisation has grown from strength to strength through many years and I would first of all like to thank the staff and volunteers of Access Arts for their resilience, creativity, dedication and devotion to the organisation. Without their dedication to Access Arts, I am sure that we would not be quite as successful. The management committee must be commended as well for their magnificent efforts, particularly during the trying times we have had this year regarding the rental increase.

I am very happy to see the growth in visual arts exhibitions and professional success this year thanks to all of you who participate in BOA, and the nurturing and launch of independent musicians in 2008. A highlight for me was to see the Creative Respite Options showcase and to enjoy and admire the amazing artworks on display. I was also very inspired by the maturing of IF (Inclusion Fusion), an a cappella group consisting of valued staff members. I always get a great kick out of seeing them perform. Ladies, watch out, Peter Vance is coming with his incredible baritone voice!

This will be the last year for me on the management committee as I have a few more commitments to take care of for this year, and I think that it is worthwhile to give other people a chance to fledge their wings on the management committee. It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with all of you over the last four years. I also feel the need to develop my creative side that has been let to lie somewhat fallow for the last four years. Never fear though, I will still be around and giving my time every now and then to help with whatever needs to be done for the organisation. Access Arts got under my skin a long time ago and will always be important to me. I hope that you all have a fantastic year in 2009 drumming, singing, playing musical instruments, painting, sculpting, dancing, digital storytelling and the list goes on and on!

   - Jodi Johnstone

Executive Director’s Message   

For Access Arts, 2008 has been one of implementing significant projects, programs, performances and exhibitions. I would like to highlight just a few that have come about as a result of quality partnering with a diverse range of communities in Queensland and in Asia.

In Queensland our Currumbin Gold Coast two year pilot program Crossing Divides funded by the Westpac Foundation has had outcomes that have exceeded every expectation in its first year of development. Forty two local partnerships have been formed and the first intake of young people experiencing disabilities have been learning the skills of event management, performing their own theatre productions and music, and setting up an arts and crafts shopfront. The visual arts team won the Gold Coast SWELL Jenny Neumann OAM Emerging Artist Award for a Public Art Sculpture Fish that was then purchased by the Gold Coast City Council.

A partnership with the Islamic Women’s' Association Queensland was instrumental in the development of Salaam, a project to profile the work of women's contributions to the rich Islamic traditions of Arts and Culture. This project came about through the need for a community driven effort to demonstrate to wider Australia that women of Islamic faith come from a rich variety of diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds. The project was funded by Arts Queensland with development assistance from Museums and Gallery Services Queensland and BEMAC Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre.

In the wake of the devastating flooding that occurred in the Emerald region, with Access Arts financial support, the Emerald Community Participation Service hosted a very successful 'Celebrating Cultural Diversity' Art Workshop with funding from RADF through the Emerald Shire Council. Participants completed individual works, as well as working to create collaborative banners which were displayed at the Easter Sunflower Festival and the Multi Cultural Festival held on the 19th April. A number of works produced were exhibited as part of Access Arts' State-wide Crossing Divides Exhibition at Metro Arts in which the works of fifty five artists from across Queensland were represented. The Crossing Divides Exhibition was funded by Disability Services Queensland Building Supportive Communities grants.

New opportunities are emerging as a result of the extremely hard work that the Access Arts team puts in with and on behalf of our membership. Access Arts is now working in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Harbinger Consultants to develop QPAC as a world class disabilities access facility. In addition we are working with the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, The Royal Flying Doctors Service and other key organisations in Far North Queensland on Creative Recovery, a three year project at the Lockhart River Arts Centre with development plans for other Cape York communities already in place.

Looking forward to 2009 - 2010, we have now signed an agreement with the Shanghai Disabled Persons Federation with a view to furthering arts and cultural exchange and developing an innovative program for World Expo Shanghai.

Finally I would like to thank all who contributed to Access Arts work in 2008 and look forward to an exciting 2009.

   - Ross Barber

Quality Assurance   

Access Arts is funded by Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) and must comply with the DSQ Quality Service Standards. In line with this system, Access Arts was audited by Global-Mark and received certification on 23 September 2007. Our annual post-certification review for 2008 was held in September. This review ensures that we are regularly updating and improving our quality systems, and ensures our continued compliance.

Thank you to members who were involved in the audit focus group. You provided valuable feedback to the auditors about the services that Access Arts provides to help us improve our delivery and processes.

We welcome feedback and suggestions from members in order to improve our quality system. Access Arts' Policies and Procedures, which are the basis for our quality system, can be accessed via our website: www.accessarts.org.au/quality_assurance.htm. The forms relating to and referenced in these policies are available in hard-copy and accessible formats upon request from Access Arts Inc. Individual policies, procedures and forms are also available in Braille, audio and large print formats on request.

This certifies Access Arts Inc, client ID 100559, as Global Mark QDSS compliant, effective 23 September 2007,subject to continued compliance.

Indigenous Projects   

Jeff Finlay - My Expression Exhibition – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns

A large crowd from the whole community attended the opening of Kuku Yalanji Artist, Jeffrey Finlay’s Exhibition My Expression at the Tank Arts Centre in Cairns on Monday 28th July.

The opening also coincided with Jeffrey’s return to his place after a long period away due to health issues. The community and family from Mossman Gorge were there in force and the traditional dancers conjured up the lives of the beautiful images of animals, fish and birds depicted on Jeffrey’s canvases. As a result of this exhibition, Jeffrey was commissioned to undertake five works to celebrate Disability Action Week in Far North Qld.

Access Arts would like to thank the Tanks Art Centre, Arts Nexus, St John’s Gordonvale, Mackay and Districts Spinal Injuries Association, all that attended and the Eacham and Cairns RADF Committees who contributed generously to this successful exhibition development.

Indigenous Grandparents BBQs

In partnership with CentaCare Fortitude Valley, Access Arts provided ongoing support for a group of Indigenous grandparents at their monthly BBQ’s at Southbank Parklands, Brisbane. As part of this support, Access Arts provided arts workshops and creative activities for the children and adults in attendance, as well as transport support. A highlight for Access Arts’ involvement in this ongoing project was working with Indigenous Elders to tap into their creative potential and explore their cultural heritage through the arts. Most of these Elders have never painted or made art before, and found it to be a huge achievement.

Continuous Quality Improvement Project

Through project funding from the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Access Arts delivered a project aimed at improving processes and structures around service access, engagement and delivery. Consultations and program evaluations occurred with 7 identified Indigenous communities and groups. These consultations informed the development of an Indigenous Strategic Plan and Cultural Wellbeing Policy and Procedure.

As part of this project, Access Arts office, workshop and project staff and volunteers participated in a full day cultural awareness training in April to help ensure they have the appropriate skills to engage with a range of communities.

Professional Development for Emerging Indigenous Artists, Arts and Cultural Workers

Throughout 2008, Access Arts proactively supported the professional skills development and employment of artists from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

Access Arts supported the following professional development activities:

• Employment of trainee arts workers from Indigenous backgrounds in workshops (including Keepin It Real)
• Employment of administration staff who identify as coming from an Indigenous heritage
• Development of an exhibition and ongoing mentoring for Kuku Yalanji artist Jeffrey Finlay.
• Support of the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of QLD.
• Assistance to develop funding applications for individuals and groups.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland (ATSIDNQ)

The Network is a small group of Indigenous people that have taken on the role of a steering committee with invited others to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network for their people that can be accessed anywhere in Queensland. They have begun this journey because they share a passion to address the impact of disability and associated issues that affect their people and their culture.

Access Arts provides equipment and transport support for steering committee members in order to enable them to fulfil their committee member duties and further the development of the Network. Access Arts also provides secretarial support during steering committee meetings. Access Arts has enlisted the advice of the ATSIDNQ steering committee who acts as our Indigenous Advisory.

The Network also receives significant support from the Queenslanders with Disability Network Inc (QDN) and Life Tec QLD.

Access Arts provided the following support to the Network throughout 2008:

• Catering and staff support for the Disability Action Week Event at the State Library of QLD on September 13.
• Catering and staff support for the International Day of People with Disabilities Event at Jagerra Hall, Musgrave Park on December 3.
• Attendance and secretariat support at meetings with government, funding bodies and organisations.
• Secretariat support at monthly steering committee meetings.
• Assistance to develop a funding application to support the further development of the Network (including a state-wide conference and employment of a Network Development Worker).
• Transport support for a steering committee member to enable them to attend meetings and events.
• Actioning of tasks between steering committee meetings to enable the Network to move forward.
• Media and marketing support (including the development of flyers and public documents).

Brisbane Outsider Artists Studio & Visual Arts   

Raw Space Galleries

Brisbane artist Lisa Blake, and Sunshine Coast artist Becky Down, both had a very successful exhibition at Raw Space Galleries in South Bank from the 11th January -14th February, 2008. Lisa’s works reflects a level of dedication to intricate patterning and a love of colour, while Becky’s work reflects domestic scenes and a reference to colour field paintings.

From Darkness to Light

From Darkness to Light was a very well received group exhibition showcasing work by the Brisbane Outsider Artists. The exhibition was held at the Mt Gravatt Library from 6th to the 30th April. With over 2000 visitors to the library each month, the exhibition was viewed by many.

Intersections

Intersections featured selected works from local, regional and interstate emerging and established artists, including: Access Arts, Monte Lupo, Art Farm, Access Arts Link Tasmania and Art from the Heart, Sunshine Coast. The exhibition was held at Raw Space Galleries, South Bank, from the 26th September to the 3rd of October, and was initiated by Access Arts and supported by Arts Queensland and Disability Services Queensland.

Crossing Divides

Crossing Divides celebrated the third year of presenting the Access Arts State Wide Exhibition, which was made possible by the Disability Services Queensland Building Supportive Communities Grants Program. Crossing Divides brought together artists from local and regional communities across the state in a very successful exhibition at Metro Arts in the centre of Brisbane. The exhibition was officially launched by Mr Greg Murphy, Regional Executive Director of Disability Services Queensland.

LifeTec

Access Arts has partnered with LifeTec, a provider of information, consultation and education in assistive technology. Works from the Brisbane Outsider Artists are continually on show at the LifeTec office, Newmarket. The works are viewed by over 3000 people annually.

Art from the Margins

From 25-28 July, local artists including Access Arts members participated in the Art from the Margins Exhibition at the Albert St Uniting Church, Brisbane City. The exhibition was a great success with many works being sold. The exhibition received much positive feedback. Stephen Corti-Griffiths, a member of the Brisbane Outsider Artist Studio received First Prize, a combination of a scholarship, art materials and cash to the value of $1000. Lisa Blake, another Brisbane Outsider Artist Studio member received a highly commended certificate for her work in the exhibition. The exhibition was proudly supported by the Brisbane Festival, Arts Queensland, Brisbane City Council and the Wesley Mission.

MultiCap Festival Exhibition

Access Arts partnered with Monte Lupo as part of the MultiCap Exhibition. A combined group exhibition featured a wide range of works by artists from both Access Arts and Monte Lupo.

Umbrella Studio of Contemporary Arts

From the 15th to the 26th September the work of several Brisbane Outsider Artists and other local emerging artists was on show at the Umbrella Studio of Contemporary Arts as part of Artworks – the Inaugural Art Awards Exhibition. The exhibition was well received with BOA studio member Louis Lucas receiving the Overall Prize for his work I Am One, a black and white lino print. Stephen Corti-Griffiths was awarded second prize for his photograph of the Brisbane Story Bridge, titled Up There. This exhibition celebrated Disability Action Week and was sponsored by Kith and Kin Association Ltd, Disability Services Queensland, Qantas, Xstrata Copper, MacAir Airlines and Tony Ireland, Townsville.

AART.BOXX

AART.BOXX is an annual exhibition and cultural initiative that highlights the current and diverse art practices of young and emerging artists with a disability. In 2008 the exhibition was held at Tin Sheds Gallery, University of Sydney. 2008 marked the third year of AART.BOXX, which featured the works of 25 artists under the age of 30, from across Australia. Brisbane Outsider Artist Peter Hughes sold several works, with his work being bought for private collections in Sydney.

Currumbin Crossing Divides 2008   

Access Arts’ Crossing Divides Pilot is a creative project for young people aged 15 – 30yrs experiencing disability and disadvantage in the Gold Coast. The project utilises Arts based programs to develop a sustainable model which will be inclusive of the wider community and lead to increased access to life-long learning, ongoing training and employment outcomes not currently available in the region.

Crossing Divides has been funded by the Westpac Foundation for two years to produce a model for Creative Industries HUBs which will be transferable to a range of communities. The project draws on the skills of local arts workers and volunteers who are employed within the project.

The inspiration for Crossing Divides emerged in 2006, when Access Arts was invited by the Parents & Citizens Management Committee of the new Currumbin Community Special Education School to work in partnership with them to develop a creative hub for use by the wider Gold Coast community. Community consultation and forums with young people, families, schools and agencies followed. Through these processes the primary objective evolved to develop the school precinct as a community hub for post-school activities, where sustainable innovative Creative Industries based pre-vocational training programs could be offered to young people experiencing disabilities and disadvantage. Programs developed in 2008 prepared participants for entry into wider social, educational and economic opportunities. Since the project commenced, staff have developed a range of partnerships with local businesses, organizations and council in order to strengthen the project’s capacity. A significant partnership has emerged with Expressive Ground Youth Space, which is fast becoming the new hub for the creative development of local young people. The involvement of this space in project activities has improved the engagement of project participants in the wider community.

Crossing Divides has effectively addressed issues of isolation and segregation that young people with a disability have articulated (through workshop delivery and focus groups) they are facing in the wider community by the following:

2008 Engagement in existing local cultural events:

Engagement in events like the Swell Sculpture Festival and Gold Coast City Council event ‘Welcome to my World’ have been two fantastic examples of how successful inclusion and participation in existing community cultural events is positively impacting the young people, their families and the wider community. The engagement of the young people in such events and the unique contribution that the young people make is enriching the local creative context.

Planning and Delivering new community cultural events:

Crossing Divides has held two major events this year; ‘Creative Community Celebration’ and ‘Summer Sounds’. Based in the Currumbin Farm and Expressive Ground Youth Space, the young people worked with Crossing Divides staff and Westpac volunteers to organize these events which included performances and exhibitions by the young people themselves and other well-known community artists. The project’s young participants learnt how to network with community organizations and businesses to gain in-kind resources to strengthen the capacity of the events and to market them to the whole of community. The emphases at the events were the talents and skills of the young people, and fostering a community identity that embraced these young people. The community perception of these young people is shifting, and they are becoming well known in the community as producers of performance based and visual arts, as well as creators of community cultural events.

Some key outcomes for Crossing Divides program in 2008 were:

• Valuable skills development for young people:
• Confidence & empowerment
• Communication skills
• Leadership
• Team work and cooperation
• Problem solving
• Social skills
• Creativity
• Applied numeracy and literacy
• Responsible money management
• Organizational skills
• Increased social inclusiveness and community support for young people experiencing disability and disadvantage through integration and active interaction with existing community cultural events.
• Paid and in-kind performance opportunities for ‘ Bandits’ and ‘ Black Mamba’ at community events, school discos and the Access Arts Open Day at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
• SWELL Sculpture festival prestigious and monetary award (Jennie Newman Emerging Artist Award with a cash prize $1000.00). This prestigious award propelled the young artists onto a professional artist platform.
• Sale of ‘Fish’ sculpture to Gold Coast City Council for a total of $24,800.00 to be displayed in Kurrawa ‘All abilities playground.
• Ongoing partnership formed with Gold Coast City Council (Parks and Recreation) to create commissioned public art pieces for All Abilities playgrounds.
• Public exposure of talents in the media such as the Gold Coast Sun, Tweed Sun and local radio stations.
• Online presence in web media, specifically on YouTube and MySpace. This media exposure is managed by young people in program.
• Young participants from the program who displayed leadership and outstanding skills in the art form have been hired by Crossing Divides and in their position receive ongoing training e.g. a young participant has been hired as a graphic design and multimedia artist and a young participant who demonstrated excellent leadership has been employed as a trainee support worker.
• Creation and sale of Performing Arts promotional DVD and audio CD’s.
• Individual mentoring, leadership and professional development sessions with Crossing Divides staff in their chosen art form to further their artistic and professional goals leading to lifelong learning.
• Successful creation of an inclusive, creative community hub where young people feel confident, safe and respected.
• The supportive environment of Crossing Divides is actively encouraging youth leadership and empowerment. Young artists who show these particular attributes in the workshops and other areas of the program are invited to contribute in succeeding programs as mentors on the steering committee in youth advisory positions or in paid positions in the program.
• One young person is employed 3hrs a week as a graphic design and multimedia artist
• 2 young people have been employed to fulfill support worker positions in the workshop program.
• One young person has been invited to work 1:1 with another young person in the Professional Development program.
• Consolidation of existing project partners through consistent communication to ensure sustainability and growth and creation of new collaboration with local organizations.
• Supporting young people with disability and disadvantage, their families and creative community through the development of a network of facilities and venues forming a creative community hub. Venues include:
• Currumbin Community Special School
• Currumbin Community Special School Farm
• Expressive Grounds – Youth Centre
• Develop skills and employment of local arts workers and volunteers working with people experiencing disability and establish a pool of trainers:
• 15 local artists employed
• Disability awareness training and ongoing professional development offered to artists.
• Sound Circles™ training undertaken for relevant staff
• Employment in this project has lead to other employment opportunities outside the project (this helps to ensure retention of staff)
• Project staff is recognized as a pool of arts workers that other community groups are accessing including: Gold Coast City Council, Young Carers Project and Drastic Youth Project.

Professional Development Mentoring Program   

Access Arts receives recurrent funding from Disability Services Queensland to deliver mentoring and training to sixteen artists each year. Emerging and professional artists received mentoring from experienced professionals across a range of art forms. Outcomes have ranged from a number of performing artists gaining additional skills and confidence which has enabled them to increase their performance opportunities, through to visual artists having their work shown in exhibitions and undertaking TAFE studies.

In order to maximise the impact of the program, three professional development forums were held. Topics discussed included information about the professional development mentoring program, pathways for training and employment in the arts sector and what to charge for art work and performances.

We would like to thank those members, (both mentors and mentees) who participated in the program in 2008. We look forward to working with members to support their professional development in 2009.

Sound Circles™   

Access Arts conducted a number of one off Sound Circles™ workshops and training programs in partnership with other organisations including:

• Sound Circles™ and Disability Awareness Training, Queensland Conservatorium of Music
• Sound Circles™ - Vision Australia
• Sound Circles™ Caboolture CentaCare Visit– June (full day of activities including Sound Circles™ workshop)
• Bundaberg Sound Circles™ Workshops (6 Feb - 11 June)
• Sound Circles™ Skills Development Program Cairns (3 day training program)
• Sound Circles™ – Korea Visitors (one off workshops at the Brisbane Powerhouse)

Redcliffe – Breakaway & ROPE - Sound Circles Workshops and Facilitator Training

The Sound Circles project developed in partnership between Breakaway, ROPE and Access Arts and funded by RADF achieved much success in the targeted areas of participation, training and performance.

It provided very new experiences for guests and support workers which improved individual self esteem and confidence, improved relationships between individuals, within the whole group, between organisations and with the whole community. Sound Circles in public places for Mother’s Day and at the Redcliffe Library were well received and showed how much progress the group had made in just 8 weeks.

The number of participants ranged from 15 to 30 with new participants coming from RISC over the last half, a visit from the Caboolture Sound Circles Group, and Sunshine Place as well as regular visits from family, friends and other staff of Breakaway and ROPE.

Through hands-on experience, at least 6 of the regular support workers are now competent and confident to work together as facilitators for the ongoing program at Redcliffe. A half day follow up introductory training workshop created a lot of enthusiasm and interest with around 10 participants from several more organisations being involved. Breakaway has continued with the regular Sound Circles at their own space and has just now secured a new venue, Scarborough Scout Hall, with more groups now looking forward to joining them in the near future.

Sunshine Coast Sound Circles

The main focus for 2008 was a weekly Sound Circles group that was held at Nambour Special School. Facilitators were Majella Jacobson, Sally O'Donnell and Fleur Muffatti. The group included students, teaching and support staff from the school and Diploma of Community Service students from Nambour TAFE. Access Arts intends to continue this group in 2009.

Logan Community Renewal

Through funding from Department of Housing (Community Renewal) Access Arts’ Sound Circles facilitators took on the role of contracted arts workers for a Sound Circles community project in Logan. As part of this project, experienced Sound Circles facilitators ran a series of demonstration workshops to local disability services and schools in 2008. Following these workshops, facilitators then ran two full day Sound Circles training programs for interested organisations and schools. In 2009, Access Arts will work with these organisations and schools to deliver 8 week workshop programs.

Emerald Community Participation Service Workshops   

Emerald Community Participation Service recently hosted a very successful 'Celebrating Cultural Diversity' Art Workshop in conjunction with funding from RADF through the Emerald Shire Council and Access Arts Inc Queensland through Disability Services Queensland's Building Supportive Communities Program.

Rockhampton Artist Sue Kraatz conducted the workshop over a period of 6 days with clients from Emerald Community Participation Service and community members. Sue has a Diploma of Visual Arts and a Certificate IV in Disability Work, and has many years of experience working with people who experience a disability.

Participants completed individual works, soft sculptural works, as well as working with a number of mediums during the workshops to create collaborative banners which were displayed at the Easter Sunflower Festival and the Multi Cultural Festival on Saturday 19th April. A number of works produced in the workshop were also exhibited as part of Access Arts' State-wide Crossing Divides Exhibition at Metro Arts in August, funded by Disability Services Queensland.

Salaam   

The Salaam Project is an initiative of the Islamic Women's Association of Queensland (IWAQ), in partnership with Access Arts Inc, to profile the work of women's contributions to the rich Islamic traditions of Arts and Culture through a ten week series of workshops run by six women arts/craft workers/cultural workers in a number of communities. 60 workshops were held and a total of 120 workshop participants actively engaged with the artists from different cultural and artistic backgrounds. The resulting works, performances and artifacts will then be brought together as an exhibition to tour regionally throughout 2009.

This project comes about through the need for a community driven effort to show the wider Australian community that women of Islamic backgrounds come from a rich variety of social and geographical backgrounds. The workshops encouraged members of the IWAQ community to focus their collective attention on the positive impacts of the arts within their daily lives. The wide range of art forms from painting and performing to singing, encouraged members to respond to a set of common themes creatively. Our main aim for the workshops is to encourage an exploration of journeys and stories through the use of painting, sculpture, multimedia investigations, song, dance and performance.

A mid-project celebration was held on 26 July 2008 at BEMAC, Kangaroo Point. 52 guests including artists, participants, performers, Access Arts staff, family and friends joined together for lunch followed by an afternoon of sharing the progress of the workshops.

Salaam was part of the annual Eidfest festival which celebrates the end of Ramadan on 11th of October 2008 at Mt Gravatt showgrounds. 10,000 visitors and guests, celebrities such as Imran Khan, local councillors and members of parliament viewed the works produced by the artists and participants as well as the documentary ‘Gossamer Roads’ produced by Teone Reinthal. Access Arts and IWAQ presented a stall of information to the community at Eidfest to gauge interest in future collaborations and to see if a 2009 program can be instigated.

Under the guidance of Project Manager Mandana Mapar and in partnership with Access Arts, the project has been made possible by Arts Queensland through a Creative Communities Sector Development and Presentation grant which funded the employment of 8 artsworkers and supported 11 volunteer staff to carry out the project work, as well as the Touring Exhibition Partnership Plan of Museum and Gallery Services Queensland, with assistance from the Australia Council, the Federal Government's arts funding and advisory body. The Salaam project was documented by filmmaker Teone Reinthal.

In July 2009 over 35 paintings and small works created by participants during the workshops will be featured in an exhibition at Brisbane Square Library. The Salaam exhibition will be held over July and August and will include a public program of talks, fortnightly Gossamer road documentary film screenings and opportunities for the public to learn calligraphy, henna designs and to hear from participants about their art work.

Creative Respite Options   

Access Arts’ Creative Respite Options program provides senior parent carers with respite and their child the opportunity to participate in meaningful creative activities. In order to be eligible, carers must be over 65 years old (those with an Indigenous background, 50 years and over), and supporting their child with a disability. Families must also live in the Greater Brisbane Region.

Through continued funding support from Life Without Barriers, and then Commonwealth Carelink Respite Service (Brisbane North), Access Arts provided creative respite and leisure activities for 8 families in 2008.

Some of the activities families participated in throughout the year included:

• One on one professional development mentoring
• Weekly outings with a support worker (with a creative twist!)
• Support to attend Access Arts and wider community workshops and events.
• Arts workshops for carers as well as their children.

A highlight for the year was the Creative Respite Options Showcase on May 2nd. During this event Creative Respite participants were able to exhibit their art works and show the performances they created during their sessions as well as talk to the audience about the program. Over 60 people attended this hugely popular event.

Keepin It Real   

‘Keepin it Real’ is a cross cultural creative program for young people aged 16- 30 years, based at the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm. With a particular focus on the professional skills development of young people from Indigenous backgrounds, this program focuses on the various art forms of the modern Australian hip hop culture. It also provides professional development, employment and performance opportunities for the young people involved.

Three series of workshops were delivered throughout the year. Participants of the workshops were given the opportunity to showcase their performances at the Community Workshop Showcase and Access Arts Open Day. Trainee arts workers from Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds were also employed to deliver workshops in schools and guest facilitator roles in Access Arts’ workshops.

In the first term of Keepin It Real creative consultancy workshops, the focus for a future longer term hip hop project was established. As a result, a funding application was developed to Australia Council for the Arts for a one year project and a 5 minute marketing film was created with input from the young participants.

In 2009, Access Arts has received funding from the Australia Council for the Arts for a one year Keepin It Real project that will include mentoring, professional development, employment, performance and workshop opportunities for young people interested in hip hop.

Information Management Interface Development Project   

With funding support from the Mental Health Council of Australia, Access Arts began the development of a more effective internet based information management system for the secure storage of confidential member and program information. This interface will also include a user interactive component which will enable members to contribute to and design their own web based community.

This year, the project outcomes included:

• With the installation of the new server, Access Arts now has the capacity to fulfil its project activities and maintain the new system once the project is completed.
• Online resource on mental health is being developed and will be available to the whole of community. This component will be updated regularly to ensure new, relevant information is being provided.

In 2009, an interactive web component will be launched with other local mental health services being invited to use the online forum and research as a resource for themselves and their clients. Staff training in updating the database component will also take place.

Conferences, Events & Celebrations   

Access Arts Events

• Community Showcase, Rooftop Terrace, Brisbane Powerhouse, July 2008
• Access Arts Open Day celebrating Access Arts’ 25th Birthday, Brisbane Powerhouse, November 2008

Access Arts Events

• Access Arts vocal quintet IF Performed at event ‘Spirit of Difference’, Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, April 2008
• Brisbane Post-School Options Expo, Access Arts performed and had organisation display, April 2008
• “Communities, Accessibility and the Arts” conference, Ballarat, Victoria – Ross Barber key note speaker, May 2008
• Jazz Singers Jam Night, Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point, July & November 2008
• Access Arts vocal quintet IF interviewed and performed on radio 4BC Interview - 11 September 2008
• Access Arts vocal quintet IF performed at Disability Action Week Awards Lunch, Brisbane, September 2008
• Creative Futures - FNQ - Attended
• Indigenous New Media Health Forum - FNQ
• Project management - art built-in public art in schools project - Meridan College
• Project Management of art built-in public art in schools project - Pine Rivers

Access Arts Events

• Arts Intersections Symposium – 2 day symposium, co-hosted by Access Arts and Griffith Abilities Research Program, Griffith University, Logan Campus, July 2008
• ABAF Workshop Currumbin, March 2008
• Toowoomba Arts Forum, February 2008
• RADF Showcase - Logan
• Creative Recovery FNQ- Steering Committee

Workshops 2008   

(Based in the Brisbane Powerhouse)

• Sound Circles (4x 8 week terms throughout the year, average of 15 participants per workshop)
• BOA (4 x 8 week terms throughout the year, average of 10 participants per workshop)
• Drumming (4 x 8 week terms throughout the year, average of 15 participants per workshop)
• Contemporary Visual Arts (2 x 4 week terms throughout the year, average of 8 participants per workshop)
• Actors Anonymous / Drama (4 x 8 week terms throughout the year, average of 20 people per workshop)
• Keepin it Real Hip Hop (2 x 4 week and 1 x 6 week terms throughout the year, average of 8 people per workshop)
• Singing (1 x 4 week term throughout the year, an average of 8 participants per workshop)
• Drawing (1 x 4 week term throughout the year, an average of 8 participants per workshop)
• The B Naturals Music Workshop (ongoing weekly workshop throughout the year, an average of 8 participants per workshop)
• Contemporary Dance (1 x 4 week term throughout the year, an average of 8 participants per workshop)
• Screen-printing (1 x 4 week term throughout the year, an average of 8 people per workshop)
• Digital Storytelling (1 x 3 week term throughout the year, an average of 5 people per workshop)

Workshops/Projects - with Partners   

• Spinal Unit PA Hospital workshop (one off workshop)
• Hip Hop - Sandgate High School (one off workshop)
• Hip Hop - Dept of Communities (one off workshop)
• Wheelchair Dancing- (1 x 4 week term throughout the year, an average of 12 people per workshop). Partnership with Enhanced Care Association.

Audited Financial Report   

Download a copy of Access Arts 2008 Audited Financial Report in Word format here.

Partnerships   

Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts

Accessible Arts NSW

Albert Park Flexi school

All Abilities Playground - Gold Coast City Council ( Parks and Recreation )

Art Farm

Art from the Heart

Art from the Margins

Art Support Australia

Arts Nexus

Aunty Flo Watson, Indigenous Elder

Australia Business Arts Foundation

Autism Support Group

Bendigo Bank – Community Sector Banking

Board Connect

Breakaway

Brisbane Festival

Brisbane Post School Options Expo

Caboolture CentaCare

CentaCare, Brisbane

Centre For Rural and Remote Mental Health Queensland, Cairns

Commonwealth Respite Carelink Service

Communify

Community Renewal, Logan

Conservatorium - Griffith University

Creative Juices – Gold Coast City Council (Cultural Community Development)

Cross Roads.

Currumbin Community Farm School

Currumbin Community Special School

Disability Action Week

Eckersley’s Art Supplies

Emerald Community Participation Service

Emerald Council

Enhanced Care Association Expressive Grounds – Community Arts Association

Garden City Library

Gold Coast City Council

Gold Coast Connecting Carers – Quarterly Information hub

Gold Coast Drug Council

Gold Coast Youth network

Griffith Abilities Research Program, Griffith University, Logan Campus

Guide Dogs Qld

Harbinger Consultants

Helensvale SHS SEU Unit

Indigenous Disability Network

Inter Urban Arts

Inverse Art Gallery – Burleigh Heads.

Islamic Women’s Association of Qld

Kyabra

LifeTec

Links for Life – Murwullimbah

Lockhart River Art Centre

Mamre

Metro Arts

Monte Lupo

NORTEC- Employment and Training

QPAC

Queenslanders with Disability Network

Queensland University of Technology – Creative Enterprise

QUT

Raw Space Galleries

Robina Art Gallery

ROPE –Redcliffe

Royal Flying Doctor Service

SCAIP

Smart Care Foundation

Sporting Wheelies Association

Staffing Options

Swell Currumbin Sculpture Festival

Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns

Toowoomba Regional Gallery

Vision Australia

Westpac Branch – Kirra Hill

Young Carers Network

Youth Arts Qld

Youth Arts Queensland – Youth Arts Interagency

Access Arts acknowledges the support from our funding bodies:

         

 

Access Arts Inc ® (Queensland) receives financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Disability Services Queensland and Arts Queensland;
from the Federal Government through the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Australia Council for the Arts; and from the Westpac Foundation.

Access Arts Volunteers   

Access Arts would like to extend a big thank you to all of our hard-working volunteers. Without you, Access Arts’ workshops, programs, events and office would not run effectively.

In 2008, we had 30 volunteers who helped out with our workshops, events, programs, mail-outs, and office administration. Approximately half of these 30 volunteers experience a disability.

2008 Management Committee   

President	Jodi Johnstone
Vice President	Hayley Kitchener
Secretary	Michael Whelan
Treasurer	Sjivonne Grimsey-Smit
Indigenous Member	Alan Parsons
Ordinary Member	Heidi Muenchberger (Resigned)
Ordinary Member	Ria Parsons (Resigned)

Access Arts Staff 2008   

Executive Director	Ross Barber
Assistant Director	Emma Bennison
Project Coordinator	Sally Josephson
Project Officer	Jessica Townsend
Administration Coordinator	Angela Jaeschke
Membership Services Officer	Julie Jones
Membership Services Officer	Karen Roberts
IT Administrator	Nick Reilly
Visual Arts Coordinator	Jasmin Jacobson
Visual Arts Assistant	Renae Burton
Marketing Coordinator (April – July)	William Meehan
Finance Officer	Jan Spinks

Access Arts Inc   

Patron: Ms Penelope Wensley, Governor of Queensland