End of an era for As We Are Art Awards

Media Release – 9 May 2024

As We Are Art Awards comes to an end after 22 years of empowering artists with intellectual disability

Western Australia’s most prestigious community-led art awards and exhibition is ending after 22 years of empowering West Australian artists with intellectual disability.

After showcasing over 1,500 incredible and inspiring works from artists with intellectual disability since 2002, the As We Art Awards will not go ahead in 2024 due to rising costs and reduced funding opportunities.

As We Are Coordinator since 2021, Annette Hasluck said she is devastated that funding circumstances prevent this important and highly anticipated annual event from continuing.

“I can’t express how terrible I feel for the artists who look forward to taking part in this event each year.

For more than two decades, the As We Are Art Awards has been WA’s most important platform for artists with intellectual disability, and this is going to leave a real gap on our cultural calendar.

I feel privileged to have been part of this incredible legacy for the past few years, and I’m so grateful that I witnessed the creativity, joy and passion of our amazing local artists,” Ms Hasluck said.

Nulsen Disability Services has been the Principal Partner and driving force behind the As We Are Art Awards since its inception 22 years ago.

Over the lifetime of the event, dozens of disability sector partners, arts organisations, individuals and other organisations supported the event alongside Nulsen.

But funding circumstances have reduced the ability of the disability sector to contribute financially, making the event unsustainable for Nulsen to continue in its current form.

Nulsen Chief Executive Officer Caroline Watt is hopeful that the As We Are Art Awards will be revived should the funding environment change.

“Like everyone involved in As We Are, I am deeply saddened that we’re unable to continue without a significant boost in funding.

My heart goes out to all the brilliant painters, sculptors and mixed media artists who were looking forward to this year’s event.

I remain hopeful that different circumstances will see the As We Are Art Awards back on the list of events in future”, Ms Watt said.

Nulsen will continue to support the As We Are social media accounts and website.

www.asweare.com.au | Facebook | Twitter

Media Contact: Ren Adams, M – 0422 146 680, E coordinator@asweare.com.au

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