Michael Camakaris curated Variations as part of the inaugural Blindside 2021 Artist Mentorship Initiative.
Initially an online exhibition, we then presented a live version of the show at APA’s Collingwood Yards gallery during October 2022. The mentorship program engaged an early-career artist or curator with a disability to work on a self-devised project with advice from Blindside personnel.
In Michael’s own words, “the focus of Variations touches on the relationship between the disabled artist, their lived experience and their choice of artistic expression. I chose this particular theme to advocate for disabled artists, as they are generally under-represented, and often lack a say in how they are presented. Their work is rarely placed front and centre. Often their inclusion is a token gesture toward equality”.
The exhibition features works by APA artists Mark Smith and Jordan Dymke alongside Darcey Bella Arnold (ReadingRoom) and Kieren Seymour (Neon Parc).
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
The Arts Project Australia gallery has accessible toilets in the Perry Street Building. They are located in the northern end of the building. On the upper ground level they are located off the northern side of the service corridor. On L1 and L2 they are located behind blue manual double doors.
Entry 30A Perry Street is wheelchair accessible and offers direct access to the Courtyard, Perry Street Building upper ground and Johnston Street Building upper ground. Lift access is available to visit other buildings and levels.
Getting here
The closest tram stops to Collingwood Yards are:
Route 86 towards Waterfront City/Docklands: Johnston St/Smith St (Stop 19)
Route 86 towards Bundoora: Johnston St/Smith St (Stop 19)
The nearest Bus stop is the corner of Johnston St and Smith St on Routes 200, 207 and Night Bus Route 966.
The corner of Johnston St and Smith St is approximately a 300 meter, 5 minute walk to and from Collingwood Yards.
The closest train stop is Victoria Park on the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines.
Victoria Park Station is approximately a 700 metre, 10 minute walk to and from Collingwood Yards. Victoria Park Station is elevated and access to the platforms is either via a ramp or lift.
Collingwood Yards offers a single accessible parking bay, located in the entryway via 35C Johnston Street vehicle entrance. Limited parking is available in the surrounding area.
