Artybald in the City
Blacktown City temporary public art commission at the Max Webber Library
Blacktown City recognises the importance of public art in contributing to a vibrant, inclusive and resilient community.
Blacktown Arts worked with Ability Options’ Front Up Studios in Seven Hills to bring colour and vibrancy to our public spaces and celebrate our diverse, local talent.
Four temporary public art commissions were selected from 34 entries from The Access Artybald Prize and are exhibited on the windows of Max Webber Library from September to December 2022.
The Access Artybald Prize
A portrait painting competition and exhibition facilitated by Ability Options’ Front Up Studios, The Access Artybald Prize is a celebration of western Sydney’s most exciting, diverse artists.
Open to artists with diverse abilities who live, work or study in greater western Sydney, The Access Artybald Prize was first exhibited at Front Up Studios in May 2022, before travelling to Wollongong Art Gallery and landing at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre this September.
The Access Artybald Prize was created in conjunction with Archibald Prize at Art Gallery of NSW.
Until 2 April 2023
Max Webber Library
Free
All ages
Brendan Abarca, Self Portrait and Spaceship
Brendan enjoys painting and drawing self portraits and animals in bright rich acrylic colours. Brendan received a commended award for his Self portrait painting in the Front Ups 2022 Access Artybald Prize.
Renée Allara, Unconditional
Renee works across many different media including ceramics, drawing, painting and film, using art to explore things often hidden from plain view such as microscopic images of insects, bacteria, and genetic material. The eye is a recurring motif representative of her main form of communication as a hearing-impaired person.
Renae Curran, What is Behind the Mask?
Renae Curran is a contemporary multidisciplinary artist and registered Art Therapist who experiments with a variety of materials and techniques in her artistic practice. Through embracing a sense of play, exploration and experimentation, Renae sees art as a powerful tool for expression and healing.
Ebony Wightman, A Person of Note
Ebony is an emerging, multidisciplinary artist motivated by a thematic exploration of self-acceptance. Advocating for the intersectional rights and identities of autistic and neurodiverse communities, Ebony draws on a strong current of social justice, personal reflection and reimagining a more equal world.
This is a public art initiative funded by Blacktown City Council and Blacktown Arts.
Ability Options’ Front Up Studios and The Access Artybald Prize is funded by Create NSW and supported by Art Gallery of NSW and Blacktown Arts.
