Arts Project Australia

My daughter is one of the artists at arts project and has been supported there for 5 years. All the people who attend are treated like adults which has built up my daughters self esteem. The other artists are all expected to be well behaved and they are. The mentors there are all arty and are very skilled. They mentor rather than teach. My daughter loves attending and won't miss a day. Staff are helpful and I couldn't speak highly enough of them.

I love Arts Project Australia because it is a nice and friendly environment to learn in because the staff are nice and friendly and are always there to give advice or to lend a helping hand.

My daughter has a complex disability and began at Arts Project about 18 years ago. Originally she was in a 'sheltered workshop' and became very depressed due to the lack of intellectual stimulation she required. She came home one day and said she would not go back and she felt 'I was running her life'. True to a degree! When I asked her what she would like to do she said paint! We asked for DHHS to assist us to find an activity that involved art - drawing or painting as that is what my daughter wanted to build as a skill. We were introduced to Arts Project and went for the interview that has changed her life. This has been the most wonderful experience. Firstly it is due to the people who work there, who support her as mentors and who guide her art and second is the philosophy of the organisation. My daughter is addressed as an artist and her disability does not define her. Over the years there have been numerous exhibition openings at the Arts Project Gallery or various other places such as Federation Square to exhibit hers and other artist's work and these are the highlight of her year. Her art has been sent to London to the Museum of Everything where it was displayed for 3 months and also entered in an exhibition in Sydney. Her work has also been displayed at many different local galleries. This has been an enriching experience and given her a confident place in the community. Work of other artists have also been entered in prestigious museums around the world. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is now allowing us to continue with this wonderful organisation. Recently we met with the studio manager and business manager who attended out first planning session. Arts Project Gallery was where my daughter decided to meet to discuss her plan as she wanted her mentors to be involved in the planning. Because of the NDIS she will have the freedom to attend an extra number of hours over the year as now she will not have to rely on a transport system that is going to collect her each day at a time earlier than her day finishes. She will be able to dictate the time she leaves rather than leaving to suit the transport (3/4 hour earlier than the session finishes) A great bonus! I could keep writing the praise of this organisation but must stop! There is so much more that could be said. Arts Project you are a wonderful organisation.

Arts Project is the best place an inspiring artist can go to develop their art. As far as I know, no mainstream gallery can offer the same services that they provide. I understand and can vouch that they experts in their field and know they are recognised internationally. The studio offers everything that is needed to develop the craft and manage all that is needed to be a professional artist. I can't speak highly enough of what Arts Project has brought to our lives. I think my daughter probably put it best when she said "Arts Project is like a second home where I get to do what I love all the time - not many people get to do that" and "I get to work with other artists and do collaborations" and "I have friends here". In our opinion, it doesn't get much better than that! (of course, having a piece of art exhibited in a gallery and selling is pretty incredible)... If you are having a bad day, drop into the Arts Project gallery downstairs. The work is simply amazing and inspirational and you can't walk away without a ***smile*** on your face. THANK YOU ARTS PROJECT!!!!!

Arts Project is a very professional organisation with a person-centred approach to its artists. I see a vision to support their artists to create independently and unhindered, always encouraging the development of their skills; they achieve this vision in an exemplary manner. Always, the clients’ art is displayed in a way that enhances and the exhibitions in their gallery and beyond are a testament to their professionalism and expertise. Artists are supported by the staff to exhibit their work at local, interstate and overseas locations. Our son has greatly developed his artistic ability over a period of ten years at Arts Project and is establishing himself as an artist with a distinct style that attracts buyers Australia-wide and overseas. This is due to the amazing support, encouragement and building of self-esteem provided by the staff, even when a period of illness prevented him from producing his best work. I highly recommend Arts Project as empowering place to work and create.