Speeches
Thursday, 08 August 2024
Opening of Organic Visions exhibition
I am pleased to join you this evening to launch the Organic Visions exhibition, here at the Bearded Dragon Gallery.
South Australia enjoys an international reputation for our arts programs and festivals.
The extraordinary creativity we have in our city and state has made us a leading light in the global arts scene.
One of great strengths of the arts in South Australia is inclusivity, and the opportunities we afford artists of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Festivals such as Adelaide Fringe and SALA provide artists, including those with disability, a chance to stretch themselves by preparing work for show, to share their output with family and friends, and to increase public awareness of their name and work.
Last year it was my pleasure to launch a SALA exhibition by staff at Blend Creative, a socially inclusive design studio, and in 2022, an exhibition by clients of Community Living Australia, of which I am patron.
Regrettably, conversation about disability in public spheres is often about what people with disability cannot do.
This hugely undersells the capabilities and creativity of people with disability, and the rich contribution you make every day to your workplaces, families and other communities.
In life I have observed that the most powerful way we communicate our abilities, or advocate for someone else’s, is to demonstrate them in a concrete and compelling way.
The work on display in the Bearded Dragon Gallery, and particularly in this exhibition, is a great example.
Looking around the room, the talent on these walls is unmistakable.
It is great to see such a colourful and vibrant collection of artworks exploring nature and what it means to the artist personally.
I congratulate the artists - John (Bundy) Bannerman, Michelle Chiles,
Sonja Garnaut, Robert Eckert and Lydia Eden – on the pieces you have created.
As Governor it is my privilege to live and work at Government House, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens which are home to a range of native birds, including kookaburras.
Rod and I are very fortunate to be connected to nature in this way, living in the heart of the city, and we aim to share our grounds with as many South Australians as possible.
I encourage you all to visit the grounds during Lunch on the Lawns, which is held on the first Friday of each month.
Bring your lunch and enjoy being close to nature while also listening to music from a local band or orchestra!
More information is available on the Government House website.
Friends,
I thank Community Bridging Services for creating and running the Bearded Dragon Gallery, offering artists with disability the opportunity to share and sell their works.
The gallery is just one of many innovative initiatives by CBS, empowering people with disability to undertake meaningful work, express themselves and reach their potential.
I thank the gallery for being a safe space that brings together people from all walks of life in an inclusive environment, while also enriching the social fabric of our community and vibrancy of our city centre.
Congratulations to the gallery and artists on Organic Visions. It is now my great pleasure to declare the exhibition open.