In the early 1970s , the art of people with an intellectual disability was largely unseen or undervalued by society.
Myra Hilgendorf OAM, who founded Arts Project Australia in 1974, insisted their artwork be presented in a professional manner and that artists were accorded the same dignity and respect as their non-disabled peers.
Myra’s own experience of more than 20 years caring for her daughter Johanna, an artist with an intellectual disability, led her to pursue quality opportunities and resources for others.
She and her colleagues took a major step in bringing the work to the attention of the art world and general public.
Find out more about Arts Project read the full history.
| Key events |
| 1974 |
Arts Project Australia founded to collect work and mount a major exhibition |
| 1974 |
Tommy’s World exhibition mounted in Georges’ Gallery in Melbourne, with in-kind support from the gallery, framers and catalogue designers |
| 1983 |
Studio founded |
| 1984 |
Pilot workshop program begins – half a day a week in a Hawthorn stable |
| 1986 |
Arts Project becomes an incorporated association |
| 1988 |
Studio moves to Northcote |
| 2003 |
Arts Project moves to the current Northcote site |
