A NEW art exhibition celebrating the creativity, talent and personal journeys of artists living with disability is set to take centre stage in the Camden Haven this November.
Ability in Action is the brainchild of Camden Haven residents Chantelle Ansell, Rachael Thorpe and Amy Vandenhurk, who have joined forces to create an event that celebrates artistic expression while promoting inclusion, accessibility and community connection.
Made possible through grant funding from Arts Mid North Coast and an auspicing arrangement with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, the exhibition will provide a platform for artists living with disability to showcase their work and share their stories with the wider community.
For co-organiser Rachael Thorpe, a fulltime wheelchair user and passionate disability advocate, the exhibition represents an opportunity to create greater visibility and meaningful opportunities for a community she proudly belongs to.
“I’m one of the least creative people I know, but I did some art history subjects at university and fell in love,” Ms Thorpe said.
“The vision of this event is to showcase the immense artistic talent in our region and provide avenues for exploration and community connection.”
Ms Thorpe believes art can play a powerful role in people’s lives, providing opportunities for self-expression, personal growth and connection with others.
“For many, art is a source of healing and I look forward to this event becoming a feature of the Camden Haven calendar each year,” she said.
The exhibition will feature a diverse collection of artistic works, including paintings, origami, ceramics and textiles, highlighting the different ways artists express their creativity.
Importantly, Ability in Action is about more than simply displaying artwork.
Participating artists will also receive professional photographs of their pieces, along with practical advice on styling and marketing their work, helping them build confidence and explore opportunities to share their creativity beyond the exhibition.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring people living with disability have access to opportunities that recognise their abilities, celebrate their contributions and encourage greater participation in community life.
The weekend will conclude with an interactive panel discussion inspired by the popular You Can’t Ask That format, designed to encourage open conversations about disability and challenge misconceptions.
Hosted by Port Macquarie Hastings Councillor Nik Lipovac, the discussion will feature Ms Thorpe alongside fellow Camden Haven resident and disability advocate, Noel Hiffernan OAM.
Audience members will be encouraged to ask respectful questions about disability, including topics they may have previously been hesitant or unsure how to approach.
The discussion aims to break down barriers, challenge assumptions and build greater understanding through honest and respectful conversation.
By Luke HADFIELD
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
