A studio that represents artists with intellectual disabilities is opening to the public for the first time.
More than 150 artists work with Arts Project Australia (APA) in Melbourne, and on Sunday, the studio will open to the public for the first time in the organisation's 50 years.
Many artists working in the studio exhibit at major national and international galleries, said APA executive director Liz Nowell.
"They are so talented, and bring so much rigour and energy to their work," she said.
"As a project, it's always been about recognising artists with intellectual disabilities for the quality and calibre of their art first."
One of APA's artists, Cathy Staughton, presented her film with Catherine Bell, titled Dog Robot Space Star, as part of Mona Foma in 2023.
Lisa Reid, who recreates vintage appliances as ceramic pieces, has work in the National Gallery of Australia and National Gallery of Victoria collections, and recently featured in the NGV's Melbourne Now showcase.
Alan Constable exhibits his ceramic cameras with Darren Knight Gallery in Sydney and Fleisher/Ollman in the US, while Terry Williams has had numerous solo exhibitions of his soft sculptures, including at White Columns in New York.
To be recognised by the broader contemporary arts sector is deeply affirming for these artists, Ms Nowell said.
"It's empowering, it's critical and really a joyous and celebratory kind of experience," she said
While working as an artist is challenging for anyone, those at APA have shown it can be a viable career, and many have achieved a level of financial stability, she said.
"To see artists selling their work and having that commercial success is really satisfying, and really critical to any artist's career."
APA was founded in 1974 by Myra Hilgendorf and other disability advocates, who collated work for touring exhibitions.
It has since grown to more than 150 artists, many of whom visit the multi-level studio several days a week, to work across painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, digital art and animation.
There's competition to join the studio, which also runs an online program, but Ms Nowell said APA still prioritises social values of equity and inclusion.
At the open day, art lovers can buy work at the pop-up stockroom sale, try making a ceramic camera with Mr Constable, or learn printmaking with Adrian Lazzaro.
Arts Project Australia - Northcote Studio Open Day is on Sunday at 24 High Street, Northcote, 12pm-4pm.
