Shining a light on APA Creatives
Shining a light on APA Creatives
Lady Gaga has her Little Monsters and Taylor Swift has her Swifties but here at Arts Project we have our APA Creatives – a community of donors who are devoted enthusiasts who love what we do.
For not-for-profit organisations like APA, donations are a vital income stream to support our artists and the work we do to elevate their profile in contemporary art. Our recent EOFY campaign raised an inspiring $49,200 that will directly support our studio and gallery programs.
We caught up with a few of our APA Creatives to say thank you and hear more about why they love and support what we do.
Mercedes Reyes-Munoz – family member of an APA artist
Mercedes Reyes-Munoz is passionate in her conviction that “art is a means to finding freedom and building a life.” Her connection to APA is deeply personal as her son Diego attends the studio three days a week, working in photography, drawing and painting.
“This is about life, an artist’s life. For any young adult with disability it’s so hard to fit in, to find somewhere you belong. Diego found that here – belonging and his creativity. It’s a welcoming and safe place to go. It’s not only the people you meet there, it’s the staff, and the goals and the philosophy behind it. To see him so happy when he gets up in the morning to go to the studio.”
Mercedes understands too well the discrimination many people with disability face. As she has witnessed “this can be something that can close doors. At Arts Project, it’s an open door, a safe place to create.”
When asked why she loves supporting the organisation, she sees a bigger picture, beyond what the studio and connections have meant just to Diego: “I love the way Arts Project respects every artist. When Diego and I are at openings at Collingwood Yards it’s beautiful to see not just the family and friends and visitors but all the incredible work. It opens the doors to feel valued. That’s the reason I give and support”.
Elsa Kennett and Ashleigh Kennedy – local small business owners
The strong sense of community centred around creativity is what draws many people to Arts Project. Elsa Kennett and Ashleigh Kennedy were proud to make their first donation as a new and small business (Kin & Co Consulting) this June.
“As a business we want to build a culture of giving and community engagement and we know what Arts Project does and how it aligns with our values”.
Elsa and Ashleigh have been involved with Arts Project over the last few years so have seen the impact of our programs first-hand, and enjoyed having the work of Sam Forster, Julian Martin and Simon Paredes displayed in their offices.
“We really admire the strong community Arts Project has built, for its artists and their friends and family, and the exciting things that are always happening to promote artists and their works.”
Duro Jovicic – passionate art collector
Duro Jovicic came to APA Creatives via a passion for collecting art. His first purchase was 8 years ago– an Adrian Lazzaro painting for his sister –but in the last few years his collecting of work by Arts Project artists has become an obsession.
“I go to so many exhibitions in Australia and overseas, but what I love about the work from the studio is the vibrancy and originality. It’s so rare that I go to an Arts Project exhibition opening or visit the stall at Art Fair and don’t make a purchase!”
For Duro, collecting is about being surrounded by and enjoying thought-provoking art in his home.
“I buy art because I can’t not buy it, if that makes sense. Whereas donating is about supporting a studio and a community that inspires me and that I want to see thrive. I’m no philanthropist, but I do want to give back regularly and I love that my donation is then part of something bigger. I also love going to the gallery talks and events with other APA Creatives donors and getting to know the people in the Arts Project community better – there are so many interesting people!”
Over the years Arts Project has fostered the careers of a staggering 700+ neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disabilities. We couldn’t have done it without our community of donors and are truly appreciative of your support – thank you!
If you would like to find out more about our APA Creatives giving program click here or email Kirsten, our Development Manager at kirsten.matthews@artsproject.org.au