Butterflies flutter through a rich world for Louisa
Tasmanian artist Louisa Jones finds art is an excellent way of separating herself from her disability. Born with Down Syndrome, Jones is an emerging artist whose first solo exhibition in Launceston - At the end of the day I was very happy - celebrates the life of the butterfly.
Louisa attends the Access Arts Link course at TAFE and when she completes her studies, plans to work on community events. "I enjoy what I do but I don't want my artwork to have anything to do with having a disability," she says. "The work is challenging and hard at times - but I also find that some things are easy too. The best part is coming here to meet new people and get to know everybody in the course."
Access Arts Link began in 2006 when TAFE Tasmania (North)'s disability liaison officer, James Newton, could see that graduating artists who also had a disability shared the usual low income opportunities common to new artists, but in addition faced obstacles presented by their particular disability. These include lack of physical access to institutions, few less formal learning modes, insufficient mentors, and lack of skills to market their art.
With government funding and by linking up with others working in the
industry, Access Arts Link was formed to give 'artists with a disability
the chance to develop and exhibit their work in a manner that accords
them the same respect and income opportunities as other artists,' says
Tasmanian Regional Arts youth officer, Karlee Foster.
