Arabic version: استوديو «هاندز أون» يحتفل بمرور 30 عاماً في كانبرا

According to ABC News, Hands On Studio is celebrating 30 years of supporting artists of all abilities, while long-time artist Stephen Corsini hopes his portrait of former prime minister Julia Gillard will eventually be exhibited in Parliament House. Corsini, who has been with the community arts organisation since its beginning, painted Gillard because she was Australia’s first female prime minister. The work depicts her in her parliamentary office, with the Australian and Aboriginal flags behind her.

Hands On Studio has offered a supported creative space since 1996. Manager and creative director Tilly Davey said it was founded by parents whose children were nearing the end of school. Starting in a shed in Curtin, it has grown into a studio now operated by Marymead CatholicCare at M16 Artspace in the Canberra suburbs of Griffith and O’Connor.

The program has 25 art teachers who guide 125 artists each week in painting, textiles, ceramics, stop-motion animation and sculpture. Other classes include gardening and cooking. Davey said many artists have attended for decades, and some popular classes have waiting lists that can last years. She said the space allows artists to feel free, express themselves and be who they are.

Earlier this year, Hands On Studio curated an exhibition at Canberra Contemporary and is preparing for shows at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and the Canberra Art Biennial later this year. The studio receives most of its funding through participants’ National Disability Insurance Scheme packages, which help cover staff and material costs. Its anniversary event this weekend will include a fundraiser, with artworks and other items for sale, as the organisation works to sustain its program.