The exhibition ‘Coming Together as One: the art of inclusivity’ was commissioned by us from QArt Gallery and Studio by Endeavour Foundation.
QArt is a social enterprise providing employment, mentoring and training for professional artists with intellectual and physical disability. Their Kew studio works with artists of all abilities and provides them with the resources and support they need to create and showcase their work.
In December 2023, we commissioned QArt artists to create 13 artworks inspired by the Boroondara Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024-28’s vision for our community. The Plan’s vision is:
'An inclusive and accessible Boroondara where people with disability participate in community life, have equal opportunities, and feel proud of who they are.'
These beautiful artworks brought to life the Plan’s vision.
The artists featured in this Plan are Julian Campomizzi, Ashlea Sergarkis, Henry Deakin, Tiffany McBroom, Jarrod Wendt, Tara Wood, Miranda Millane, Kitty Yiu, Jordan Dymke, Tara Scott, Sammi-Jo Matta Mya Wilson and Sarah Gibson.
‘Coming Together as One: the art of inclusivity’ is on display in the Camberwell Library corridor from 17 May to 28 June 2024.
To read the plan visit our Boroondara Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–2028 page.
For more information contact our Social Inclusion Policy and Project Officer at [email protected] or on (03) 9278 4526.
"I am an artist using mostly watercolours. I like to paint nature and use my disability in my work."
Miranda Millane
"I am a drawer and painter. I like the process of making art and getting lost in my own world and exploring different colours and shapes."
Tara Wood
"I like that at QArt we can elaborate our thoughts and get to do projects inspired by different artists. We encourage each other, and we get to know and learn about our different experiences."
Kitty Yiu
Julian Campomizzi's artwork, All Together, celebrates the concept of unity and diversity through a vibrant assembly of animated characters. Each character is uniquely designed to represent different emotions and perspectives, taking inspiration from various sources such as music, fashion, and art magazines, as well as the vast expanse of the internet. Through these captivating figures, Julian reflects on his life experiences, encapsulating his encounters with different individuals and the profound emotions they have felt.
Ashlea Sergarkis' artwork, Beautiful Hands, explores themes of unity, togetherness, community, diversity, and independence through the representation of grouped hands. Each hand stands together, celebrating the unique contributions of individuals within the whole, regardless of their ability, race, religion, or sexuality. A symbol of independence adds a diverse and empowering layer to the interconnected narrative, highlighting the importance of individuality within the context of community. The hands in the artwork are working together within the Boroondara community.
Henry Deakin has a great passion for reading and immersing himself in a world of fantasy through stories. He expresses his love for the fantastical through his paintings, which aim to normalise the presence of people with disability in the community. With his artwork, Henry hopes to promote inclusivity and understanding, infusing his creations with magic that he finds within the pages of his favourite tales.
Sarah Gibson's artwork, Kaleidoscope Patterns, celebrates the idea of living under the same sky and portrays different suns through the use of colour and pattern. Her artwork advocates for inclusivity within the community and encourages people with disability to be involved. By expressing her creativity in this way, Sarah promotes the idea of a harmonious and diverse community where everyone is encouraged to contribute, fostering unity and understanding amongst all.
Tiffany McBroom's artwork, Coming Together as One, is a celebration of community, diversity, and inclusivity. Using vibrant colours and patterns, Tiffany aims to bring people of all types together. Her artwork is a lively affirmation of the beauty of differences, highlighting the joy of inclusivity and the richness it brings to our lives. Tiffany believes that diversity is something to be celebrated, akin to a joyous celebration or lively party that embraces and revels in the richness of differences.
Jarrod Wendt's artwork, Equality in the Community, represents people with all types of disability. He has migrated from digital platform to canvas, to capture people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, use a wheelchair, are an amputee, or are living with an invisible disability. Jarrod portrays these individuals from an abstract perspective, utilising colour to celebrate and convey the beauty in differences.
Tara Wood's Freedom to Fly delves into the concept of being in a supportive group environment, highlighting the importance of having space to grow and ‘fly’. Tara shares her admiration for butterflies, which she considers her favourite insect, as they embody natural beauty and vibrancy. She draws inspiration from their bright and colourful wings while conveying messages of empowerment and self-belief.
Miranda Millane portrays her perspective on nature in her artwork My Calm. Through her artistic eye, she explores the beauty of flowers, birds, and butterfly shapes, and conveys the theme of feeling calm. She believes that nature provides her with the space to experience happiness, peace, and serves as a means to escape some of life's challenges.
Kitty Yiu's Flourishing Mind delves into her own representation of the autistic brain through painting and drawing. Her artwork employs vivid colours and delicate lines to celebrate the exceptional and passionate brain of a neurodivergent individual. With this visual aid, Kitty aims to encourage people to be more sensitive and aware, in hope of promoting education for children and adults alike.
Mya Wilson is a proud Wurundjeri artist whose work, Blossom Garden, inspires viewers to pursue their passions and build a strong essence for life. She advocates for freedom and access to doing things people love. Mya employs Aboriginal symbols to convey her connection with the natural environment, using running water to express a sense of connectedness. Additionally, she uses symbols representing people to show the unity and cohesion of communities, creating a visual narrative that celebrates the harmonious relationship between individuals and their surroundings.
Togetherness by Jordan Dymke delves into the idea of having control over what is accessible within a community. Through the use of hands and strings as symbolic elements, the feeling of being akin to a puppet is conveyed. The bows tied around the fingers suggest an idea of malleability and accessibility, highlighting the ease with which one can untie and change, and reflecting the potential for empowerment within the community.
Tara Scott creates patterns and uses colours to express love, joy and warmth in her artwork. She has an abstract perspective and draws inspiration from her childhood memories. One of her pieces, Afternoon Picnic, was inspired by the fruits she saw growing up around her parents' home and the happy times she spent in her sister's garden, surrounded by colourful flowers. Her artwork aims to bring light and happiness into people's lives, reminding us to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the simple things in life.
Sammi-Jo Matta's artwork, Encompass, is a vibrant celebration of people joining together in their community, regardless of their cultural background, abilities, or sexual orientation. Through skilful use of colour, Sammi-Jo brings a sense of excitement and joy to the community, inspiring hope for a more diverse and collaborative community.
