The Art of Us: Celebrating disability art in all its forms
A recent concert and multimedia exhibition The Art of Us celebrated the talents of artists and musicians living with disability from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.
Students, staff and alumni of the Faculty who identify as disabled, neurodivergent or Deaf came together for a joyous afternoon at the Melbourne Recital Centre to showcase their diverse range of talents in music, dance, theatre, film, television, and production.
The concert also included the University’s youngest performers, members of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s Adaptive Music Bridging Program.
Dr Anthea Skinner from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, who led the event, said a highlight of the day’s program was getting to see so many talented students and staff from across different disciplines all working together to create a shared experience and to tell the stories of their lives.
“This is the third year that the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music has come together to celebrate the diversity of our staff and student cohort,” said Dr Skinner.
“It’s fantastic to see the increasing confidence and pride emerging in our community. Whether it’s from people who presented last year and who want to expand their practice, or from those who were inspired by previous concerts and now feel ready to show their own work, more and more people are proudly telling us their stories.”
The Art of Us was presented in partnership with Bold Stage, Melbourne Recital Centre’s major Community and Creative Engagement project, which strives to nurture, grow and highlight the voices and stories of emerging musicians from underrepresented artistic communities.