Escape to a land of creativity with ARTscape

An entertaining evening of artistic endeavours created by local artists and local people with spinal cord injuries will be on show at Riverway Arts Centre.

ARTscape, a collaboration between Spinal Injuries Association members and Townsville artists and performers, is a great opportunity to celebrate the region’s burgeoning arts scene, and highlight that having a physical disability does not mean you have to stop expressing your creativity.

Spinal Injuries Association North Queensland Manager Cathy Lengyel said 15 artists had partnered with 28 members of the organisation earlier in the year, and for the past several months had met regularly to create, or practice, their artistic piece.

“We’ve got a great variety of art from photography and circus theatre, to graffiti art and welding sculptures, through to a choreographed dance performance and tattoo artistry,” Cathy said.

“With the calibre of artists involved including Sue Tilley, Matt Whitton and Michelle Ryan, you know it’s going to be an evening to remember, with around 200 people expected to attend.”

ARTscape is open to the entire community and is just $5 a ticket, which includes entry and refreshments at the event, on Friday, 13 May, which will run from 6pm-8pm.

Spinal Injuries Association member Scott Stidston said the lead-up to ARTscape had been a fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill and appreciate the imagination of a local artist.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see firsthand the creative process of some of our region’s innovative artists,” Scott said.

“As the event involves people with spinal cord injuries, ARTscape is also a good way of changing the public’s perception about what people with physical disabilities can do.

“We may face some further challenges when creating art, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t, or can’t, participate in the local arts scene.

“This entire project, from inception until the event, will give members of the Association new skills and motivation to keep on having a go – it’s been extremely empowering.”

ARTscape musician Matt Whitton said the project was all about inclusion, interaction and sharing amongst the general community.

“This opportunity allows us all, both artists and members of the Spinal Injuries Association to learn more about the world, and how we can all positively participate in our community,” Matt said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to share this partnership with the general public, who aren’t always aware of the challenges of living with a physical disability.”

ARTscape is proudly sponsored by the Townsville City Council and Arts Queensland through the Regional Arts Development Fund; the Ian Potter Foundation; and National Disability Services.

Tickets are available from the Spinal Injuries Association’s Townsville office on 4755 1755.

Note: There will be strobe lighting and a fog machine during some of the performances.

Issued 31 March.