There is so much exciting news at the moment – new exhibitions, art competitions, disability expos, and more – that it’s easy to miss something amazing. Here’s a round-up of everything that’s caught my attention lately. If you have any hot tips, please share them in the comments or over on our Facebook page!
New First Nations exhibitions at the Australian National Maritime Museum
The Australian National Maritime Museum (Sydney, NSW) is going to be showcasing First Nations storytelling in a series of new exhibitions, to highlight and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous voices.
Three exhibitions, including an exciting digital experience, will tell the stories of Australia’s saltwater and freshwater histories.
Serving Country by Belinda Mason and Dieter Knierim includes portraits of Indigenous servicemen and women in the Australian Navy. It invites visitors to discover previously hidden stories, and include their inspirational courage and mateship in our national service narrative.
Saltwater Cloud is a digital storytelling experience, showcasing First Nations storytelling and representing 17 language regions across Australia.
Eora Gallery is to be expanded into two spaces: Bamal (earth) and Badu (waters). These spaces will be dedicated on an ongoing basis to creating opportunities for First Nations artists, performers, and community representatives to speak from the heart. Check out the new exhibitions Mana and Bäru: The Sea Country of Guykuda Munungurr in the Badu Gallery, and For Our Elders in the Bamal Gallery.
We love the accessibility of the Australian National Maritime Museum, and we’re keen to get down there to experience these new exhibitions and learn more about the First Nations history of this country. Read more about our previous visits to the museum here.
An Australian-First Inclusivity Project For Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island (VIC) is set to become the first tourist town in Australia to be officially designated “sensory inclusive”. Dozens of businesses will be trained in identifying sensory overload for visitors, and making their shops, attractions, and restaurants a safe space for people who live with autism, stroke, dementia, and PTSD.
Last year, Phillip Island Nature Parks’ world-famous tourism attractions were the first nature experience in Australia to be officially certified as sensory inclusive. Now, that initiative is expanding across Phillip Island, to make it a truly accessible and inclusive destination.
Nature Parks and dozens of other businesses on Phillip Island (including Wild Coast Cruises, Ripples & Tonic, and Phillip Island Helicopters) have partnered with KultureCity to make their environments inclusive for people who live with sensory processing challenges.
One particular change that caught our eye – you know how much we love to plan ahead for our travels! – is the range of social stories and sensory maps available now on the Nature Parks website, and also the free KultureCity app. These guides give an excellent preview of what to expect at each location, and help visitors plan their visit to ensure it is comfortable and enjoyable for all.
Find out more on the Penguins.org.au website.
New inclusive arts competition from Accessible Art
Artful is going to be an art competition for all. Get your brushes out, and lay down the drop sheet!
“Artful is an exciting inclusive national art prize creating and connecting the community through creative expression. This art competition, which is free to enter, is open to all Australian residents regardless of age, ability, experience, or location.”
There are more details to come, but we know that the competition will open on 1 August, and artworks will be showcased in an amazing fully-accessible exhibition. You can submit across six categories, according to your preferred medium: drawing, painting, mixed media, 3D, photography, and textiles.
We can’t wait to see what our incredible creative community comes up with! Find out more on the Artful website.
ATSA Independent Living Expo Melbourne (sponsored)
Where will you be on the 24-25 May? Register now for ATSA Independent Living Expo Melbourne
New to the world of Assistive Technology? Need some tips and hints on paediatric seating and equipment? After solutions for access to aquatic activities? Want to learn more about pressure injuries? Interested in home mods and housing options?
Answers to all these questions and more are on offer at ATSA Independent Living Expo, through the five-track free seminar program and the 160 plus exhibitors involved, over 24-25 May at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Its free and we will shout you a coffee for pre-registering.
And we are also delighted to be hosting an Adaptive Clothing presentation (Fashion Show!) which will add some fun and colour into day 2 of the program. Interested in modeling? Please email events@atsa.org.au
For the first time we are also offering a test track for you to test drive modified vehicles from Automobility, Freedom Motors, Mobility Engineering and Total Ability.
To register and learn more visit https://expo.atsa.org.au/
