The UNSW Disability Innovation Institute teamed up with the UNSW Library and Art Collection as part of their collaboration with Studio A, Trophy Dreams. Studio A is a supported art studio that provides a working space, professional pathways and guidance to artists with intellectual disability, and is a longstanding partner of the Institute—you can see some of their artists’ work on our website. The Trophy Dreams exhibition in the Main Library is a multi-artform interactive experience that includes decorated graduation gowns and mortar boards created by three artists in response to their views on the meaning of universities. On the opening event on Thursday 9 June, visitors were able to have their photographs taken while modelling the gowns. The exhibition runs until 30 August, so there’s still time for you to encounter Annette Galstaun's spiritual mini-golf installation!
In association with the exhibition, the Institute co-hosted a half-day symposium on Visual Communication and Inclusive Practice on Friday 15 July. Here, we learned about Studio A’s history, ethos and practices from CEO Gabrielle Mordy (far left in image above), with a keynote conversation with artist Greg Sindel (centre). The discussion focused on Greg’s work creating illustrated and animated versions of Studio A’s official policies, demonstrating that complex information can be conveyed accessibly and inclusively through visual modes. This was picked up in the subsequent panel discussion, chaired by the Institute’s Director Jackie Leach Scully (second from the left) and with contributions from Chloe Watfern (second from the right), a Scientia PhD scholar at UNSW Art & Design and the Black Dog Institute, on aspects of her research with Studio A, and Dr Scott Brown (far right) on his journey to his current work using interactive design methods to co-create technologies with neurodiverse people.
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To demonstrate visual communication and inclusive practice, feedback was collected using these forms designed by Greg Sindel. There was some great feedback on the event, with one participant responding: |
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