FAQs

APA is a space for neurodivergent artists and artists living with intellectual disability. You don’t need any prior experience as an artist to join. We have many artists who started with no previous creative background who have gone on to have professional arts careers.   

APA affirms the rights of people with disability to self-identify how they choose. We acknowledge that language is ever-evolving and varies in use across cultures and societies. Artists who attend APA may identify as (but are not limited to) the following:   

• Autistic/Autistics   

• People with Down syndrome   

• People with acquired brain injuries   

• People living with an intellectual disability/who are intellectually disabled   

• People living with developmental disability/who are developmentally disabled   

Arts Project Australia is a registered National Disability Insurance (NDIS) organisation. APA runs NDIS Programs of Support. The vast majority of people who attend do so using their core support budget. Some artists also use Transport Accident Commission or Continuity of Support funding. We understand that funding can be complex and that not everyone has the same access or support. If you’re unsure about your funding options, please get in touch, we are happy to discuss what might be possible. 

Not at all! We have many artists who started with no previous creative background who have found their practice and gone on to have professional arts careers.

There are two programs on offer in the APA studio, the weekday professional program, and the Saturday recreational program.  

Every artist who joins the weekday program starts with painting and drawing. Artists can then expand out and develop in-depth folios of work in mediums including photography, digital art, animation, sculpture, printmaking, painting, drawing, ceramics, and zines.  

In addition to fostering artistic practice, the weekday program also facilitates professional development opportunities, including externally presented workshops, masterclasses, field trips, and residencies. These activities are designed to further your engagement with contemporary art practices and expand their networks and skills within the broader art community. The artwork you make in the studio will be carefully stored and periodically reviewed by a panel of staff artists, who assess the work for potential exhibition, sale, archiving, or return to the artist.  

The Saturday recreational program differs slightly from our weekday program. Also offered at our Northcote Studio, it is perfect for those wanting to work exclusively with painting and drawing, connecting with the APA community, making friends, and considering long-term artistic goals without receiving gallery representation.

Our Northcote studio is open Monday to Saturday. Come as many days as you would like!

• Professional program: Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 3:30pm 
• Saturday recreational program: two sessions (10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm), or you can stay for the whole day. 

Yes! However, before your work can be sold or promoted, you’ll need to develop a portfolio that our gallery team believes reflects your strongest and most resolved work.  

Most artists spend a number of years – often longer – experimenting with techniques and developing a personal style to build a body of work. Our studio staff are here to support you in achieving your creative goals and building a portfolio that is ready for exhibition.  

At a minimum, one of your artworks will be included in our annual gala exhibition each year. Many of our artists exhibit more frequently, both in the Arts Project gallery and at external venues across Australia and internationally, depending on their portfolio and level of experience. We also have our Northcote project space as a platform for emerging artists to present work throughout the year. 

The studio is wheelchair accessible. It is a two-story building with a lift available to the top floor. Wheelchair accessible toilets for all genders are available on site. 

There is a wheelchair accessible parking bay located out the front for artist drop off. The studio also has a wheelchair accessible mini-bus that is frequently used for field trips to galleries and museums. 

The studio can be a vibrant space with lots of conversation at times. We encourage those with sensory needs to bring ear protection and discuss their needs with staff. 

Absolutely! While our team is super skilled, we don’t provide 1:1 support. If you need a support worker, you’re more than welcome to bring one with you. 

Anyone interested in joining the studio program will need to visit the studio to have a tour and meet with the Studio Manager or Studio Administrator. This will give you a chance to check out the space, meet some of the artists, and ensure we can meet your access requirements.  

During that meeting we will discuss what is required to enrol in the program. Participants will be asked to complete enrolment forms and organise funding before beginning in the studio. Our team is here to guide family members, support workers and support coordinators through this process with ease.  

Due to high demand, studio program places are limited. If there isn’t a place available you can be placed on a waiting list. 

If you are ready to get involved fill out our studio enquiry form, or you can email or call us.