promoting, facilitating, educating and advocating for arts and cultural development for the communities of the Central West NSW.

home // about us // directory // what's on // news & info // projects // grants & funding // links & contacts //

Celebrate Ability 2004

2004 International Day for People with a Disability
December 3

The Central West is gearing up for the International Day of People with a Disability celebrations in early December. Through the assistance of Accessible Arts Inc, NSW, and in collaboration with Disability Services and Groups across the region, Arts OutWest Inc. is coordinating a program of activities involving disability groups and individuals, artists, and the community.

IDPWD Community Banner

Arts OutWest is now calling for expressions of interest from Councils, businesses and Community organisations throughout the Central West to assist in promoting the IDPWD celebrations by displaying the IDPWD Banner. The logo design of the IDPWD Banner is currently being developed by local artist, Hagit Hill through consultation with representatives from regional Disability communities. The attractive Banner will incorporate the Central West ‘Celebrate Ability’ image and allow individual participating organisations to include their Logos in the design. Each 2m x .6m Banner is available at a cost of $175 (incl. postage) and will serve to promote IDPWD celebrations in years to come. Organisations being encouraged to place their orders by early October.

Exhibitions and Workshops

Aboriginal Artist, Nyree Reynolds, is currently running a series of painting and drawing workshops with adults with intellectual disabilities at Blayney and Cowra. Works from these will be featured in an exhibition at the Millthorpe School of Arts, opening Friday December 3.. Nyree Reynolds has also been appointed by the Cowra Art Gallery to present an art workshop for adults with disabilities to coincide with the Art 4 Christmas exhibition at the Gallery. 

Bathurst Disability and Information Service (DIAS Inc) is producing a Road Safety Training Kit and Video for People with a Disability, with particular focus on safety awareness for pedestrians. The Kit will be developed through workshops, and will serve as a valuable resource tool for Disability organisations, educational services and libraries throughout NSW.

Integrated Theatre in the Central West

In 2005, People with a Disability will have the opportunity to work alongside artists in the creative process of both theatre performance and production through the development of a Central West based Integrated Theatre group. The Integrated Theatre program will also offer skills development workshops in physical theatre, music and design. Integrated Theatre in the Central West will be launched as part of IDPWD with an Open day of Performance workshops for People with a Disability to introduce the core program commencing in 2005.

Linking Artists across the Region

With these and other activities taking place, communities in the Central West region will be united on December 3 through a major video communication link showcasing the ongoing achievements of artists with a disability across the region. Disability groups and artists are invited to participate in the Central West IDPWD link-up by registering with Arts Out West.

Get involved!

The aim of IDPWD is to recognise and celebrate the achievements of People with a Disability. The purpose of the IDPWD projects are to foster the growth of Arts and Cultural services for people with disabilities and encourage connections with community groups and artists in the Central West. Community support throughout the Central West is needed to promote development, sustainability and long-term vision of Arts and Disabilities services overall and all interested members in the Region are urged to contribute. For information on all IDPWD programs and for those wishing to include their activity or event, please contact Hannah or Mary at Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au.