Art Counts is the second art exhibition organised and hosted by the Disability Network Hunter, which is a collaboration of local disability support organisations and individuals with the aim of promoting full integration and equity for all people at all levels of the community.

The Art Counts project aims to provide opportunities for all artists with disabilities to not only showcase their unique talents and gifts but to engage with the community through a creative medium.

Leading up to the exhibition artists with a disability were invited to attend a series of four workshops exploring the mediums of ceramics, found objects and drawing and painting, with an emphasis on developing an understanding and knowledge of different techniques.

Art Counts also recognises that we are on the brink of revolutionising how support for people with disabilities is funded. In support of the Every Australian Counts campaign to support a National Disability Insurance Scheme, Art Counts has asked artists to reflect on the lives they would chose to lead, their personal identity and the community they live in.

For more information about the NDIS: please go to www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au

Octapod has played a supporting role on the Art Counts committee since its inception in 2010. We are committed to supporting participation in the arts by people with a disability and are interested in advocating for the development of a Hunter Arts Access Network, which is an initiative of Arts Upper Hunter and supported by Accessible Arts NSW that seeks to establish connections and communications between accessible arts program providers and arts access workers across the Hunter region.

The Art Counts exhibition showed at Newcastle Art Space (NAS), Parry St, Hamilton East. 24 November - 11 December 2011.

To get involved in 2012: Contact Karen Stace via karens@connectabilityaus.org.au or call  4962 1000.