Who We Are
As We Are is a state-wide annual art award and exhibition open to all West Australian artists with intellectual disability. It is the only event of its kind in Western Australia.
As We Are’s purpose is to empower people with intellectual disability to express themselves creatively, to showcase their work and contribute to the community
This is achieved through:
- Meaningful contemporary art programs and exhibitions.
- Professional pathways, as well as therapeutic and recreational art practise.
- Access to mainstream arts initiatives, and
- An Arts Network to enhance artists’ artistic, social, and economic opportunities.
The 2023 Award and Exhibition was held in October at the Wilkinson Gallery at the Claremont Showgrounds and showcased 177 artists. The opening night awards evening was, once again, a truly joyous occasion, with over 200 guests in attendance, including artists, families, friends, supporters, and the extended As We Are network that has grown significantly over the last 20 years.
20 Years of As We Are
2022 marked our 20th anniversary – a huge achievement and milestone in As We Are’s journey.
Inspired by the creative expression of artists with intellectual disability and a belief in equal opportunities, As We Are was initiated in 2002 as a one-off art award and exhibition in 2002 by Rosalind Lewis from Citizen Advocacy Perth West.
With resounding success and much support, the initiative continued as an annual event and year on year has grown to become a prestigious and significant event on the Western Australian arts calendar.
