Top artist takes out 2015 Access Arts Achievement Award

Queensland artist Emma Le Strangehas been named the 2015 Access Arts Achievement Award winner during an art exhibition in Brisbane this evening as part of Disability Action Week.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke congratulated this year’s winner at the Perception art exhibition, jointly hosted by KPMG and Access Arts.

Minister O’Rourke said Ms Le Strange’s newly published children’s book Tea Parties and Pillows took an innovative approach to the topics of disability and youth.

“This year’s exhibition theme Perception encourages artists from a background of disability or disadvantage to reflect on how internal and external perceptions have shaped their life experiences,” Minister O’Rourke said.

“Tea Parties and Pillows is a light hearted story that aims to inspire and encourage families, who have a parent with a chronic illness, to join in fun activities together.

“The Access Arts Achievement Award is valued at $10,000 and is intended to support the recipients future artistic endeavours – Ms Le Strange is a very deserving winner.”

Minister O’Rourke said the exhibition strongly contributed to the objectives of Disability Action Week, Queensland’s biggest celebration of people with disability.

“Disability Action Week is all about celebrating the contribution that people with disability make in our community and raising awareness of their needs,” she said.

“This year, Disability Action Week is being held from 13 to 19 September, to empower people with disability, raise awareness of disability issues, and improve access and inclusion throughout the broader community.”

To find out more about Disability Action Week go to www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/disability-action-week/

Media Contact:          Minister O’Rourke’s office       0408 317 992