On 1 June the Offices of the Public Guardian and Protective Commissioner held the official opening of the exhibition 32 Life Pieces at State Parliament House. The event celebrated the artistic achievements of people with disabilities and was a great success. The Acting Protective Commissioner & Public Guardian, Mark Orr, welcomed over 150 artists, guests and dignitaries and said given the great response he hoped the exhibition could be become an annual event.

The Hon Kristina Keneally, Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services, officially opened the exhibition. The Minister reminded everyone that, “people with disabilities are people first, people who are capable of all that is wonderful and creative in the human spirit”.

The opening featured a unique and engaging stop animation film titled ‘Bus Trip To The Moon’. The film was made by people with disabilities, some of whom are under guardianship and financial management, in collaboration with the Pine Street Group.

Artists were interviewed and spoke about what it meant to them to be part of 32 Life Pieces exhibition. One artist commented that it was great to make art but even better to sell it! All proceeds from the sale of art works directly benefit the artists and sales figures passed $9000.

Kamahl, who is the subject of one of the artist’s work, sang impromptu to the crowd in closing. Many of the artists reported that this was a personal highlight for them.

The theme of the exhibition is 'tell us about yourself, tell us about your life' and showcases the original art work of 80 artists who are either under guardianship or financial management.

The works submitted to the 32 Life Pieces exhibition have revealed what is possible when we support people with disabilities to develop their talents, to make choices about self expression and life direction, to find opportunities, and not to be limited by narrow social categories.

Click here to download the catalogue. For a print quality version please contact us.

For more information contact the Information and Support Branch of the Office of the Public Guardian on phone 02 8688 6070 or 1800 451 510 or email informationsupport@opg.nsw.gov.au

images © the artists