MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Thursday November 23

Bathurst Prepares to Celebrate Ability for International Day of People with a Disability

To celebrate the 26^th International Day of People with a Disability on December 3, Arts OutWest is presenting a free day of art and entertainment.

Arts OutWest have joined forces with Disability, Information and Advocacy Service (DIAS), Mitchell Conservatorium, Bathurst and District Museum and other local disability service providers to create a fun community event.

On Sunday December 3, 10am-4pm, people are invited to bring their friends and family and join in the festivities of Celebrate Ability.

CreateAbility, the exhibition just back from Australia’s only regional disability arts festival – Awakenings in Horsham Victoria, will be on display in Studio A of the Mitchell Conservatorium in Russell Street. This exhibition features striking visual artworks by central west artists living with a disability.

A special exhibition Disability: Then and Now is now open to the public at the Bathurst and District Museum, featuring interactive displays of contemporary and historical artefacts. On IDPWD entry to the museum will be free.

Community members will also be able to join others painting market umbrellas under the guidance of local indigenous artist Nyree Reynolds on the front lawns of the Bathurst Courthouse.

Pianist Garry Cooley will be performing live in Studio A at 12noon and 2pm, while guitarist Adrian Hadson will perform on the courthouse lawn from 3pm.

A barbeque and refreshments will be available from 10am and there will be an official opening and welcome at 11.30am.

This event has been made possible with support from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, Accessible Arts NSW in partnership with Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare and Country Energy.

For more information contact Arts OutWest’s communications officer Natalie Kent on 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au.