Art by kids

The SIBS Art Project

26-29 May

Many children's lives are profoundly affected by living with siblings who have a disability. While the needs of children with disabilities, especially Autism Spectrum Disorders, have received considerable media and political attention, there is less awareness of the lives of their brothers and sisters.
The photographs and artworks in this exhibition will shine a light on the many young people in the Marrickville area whose siblings have disabilities. These children live with caring responsibilities, intense and ambivalent emotions, difficulties and concerns, and an awareness of diversity and difference well beyond their years.
It will provide the Marrickville community with an opportunity to learn more about the effect of disability on families and young people. The SIBS Art Project showcases the work of the many siblings involved with Pathways Early Childhood Intervention Service. It is a celebration of what it is to be a SIB.

• Opening: Thursday 26 May, 6-10pm 

I was asked by Sylvana Mahmic to give a brief address and officially open the exhibition at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown. The gallery was overflowing and jumping.  The fifteen artists, brothers and sisters of kids with disability, all aged between 6 and 15 were pumped up, noisy, excited, impatient.  After my short speech (which went down well, brought tears to some eyes I was told later) each artist came forward when I called their name to receive a certificate from the Chair of the Board of Pathways Early Childhood Intervention Association.  All of them seemed so proud, so pleased.  It was a true pleasure, a real delight.
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