The walls of St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital have been splashed with colour this week, as Access Arts launches its fourth exhibition at the hospital featuring the masterful works of 20 Queensland artists with disability.
Themed ‘Dancing colours,’ the exhibition showcases a range of subjects and experiences from exotic sea creatures to the joy of dancing under a disco ball.
St Andrew’s Senior Gynaecologist and Honorary Art Curator, Dr Philip Hall, said he was excited to welcome the exhibition back to the hospital in 2022.
“St Andrew’s has been supporting Outsider Artist exhibitions for more than 14 years, and over the past four years we’ve had the wonderful opportunity of bringing local artists and their artworks into our hospital thanks to Access Arts,” Dr Hall said.
“The exhibitions truly enrich our hospital and the artists gain so much from seeing their artworks showcased on the walls of a place of healing.”
Staged in a working corridor, the exhibitions bring incredible colour and warmth to the sterile hospital environment.
“Art is more than a declaration on a wall, it provides an opportunity to be transported to experience the other, it starts conversations, and is helpful for healing,” Dr Hall said.
“For people experiencing sickness and trauma, art is uplifting and we know through evidence it can help patients to recover better and faster.
“The exhibitions are also incredibly valuable for our staff, who appreciate and benefit from seeing their workplace reinvigorated with new and exciting pieces,” he said.
The 57-piece exhibition is located on Level 1 of the hospital for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy, and online for the broader public to view.
“Last year, even with COVID-19 restrictions, more than 3,500 people viewed the exhibition. We can’t wait to share the art with even more people this year,” Dr Hall said.
“I encourage everyone to get online to experience ‘Dancing Colours’ and support our local artists with disability who have so much to offer.”
Dancing Colours was officially launched at St Andrew's on 14 June 2022 by Lady Mayoress, Nina Schrinner, pictured with Dr Philip Hall.
All artworks are created by Access Arts’ Brisbane Outsider Artists and are available for sale for the duration of the exhibition from 15 June – 16 September 2022. View Dancing Colours by visiting Access Arts.
Dancing Colours is presented by Access Arts and kindly supported by St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, MinterEllison, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.