Media release – City of Hobart, 27 July 2022

Ability to Create Rises to Next Level

A seascape, a sensory garden, and a digital light show are just some of the exhibits that will be on display at the City of Hobart Town Hall this weekend as part of the 2022 Ability to Create Exhibition.

Ability to Create Next Level – A sensory experience is the latest event of its kind, having brought all-abilities artistic creations to the City of Hobart since the inaugural event in 2014. with a fully immersive sensory art exhibition thanks to funding support from Arts Tasmania.

The program sees over 80+ local artists working with local organisations, including Second Echo Ensemble, Langford Support Services, Possability, Life Without Barriers, Mosaic and the Parkside Foundation. Artists work with participants living with disabilities to provide a creative outlet which culminates in the annual Ability to Create exhibition.

“The format we moved to last year, with artists working alongside participants on thematic projects worked really well,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said. “The event is going from strength to strength, and this year is going to be a real standout exhibition.”

Local artists Edith Perrenot, Joel Roberts, and Alex Moss have each led their own projects working in their own creative media, leading to a multi-sensory experience that is the Ability to Create exhibition for 2022. They are joined by Maggie Jeffries who also participated in the 2021 event.

“One of the great things about artistic expression is that it can provide a voice for people to share their stories,” Lord Mayor Reynolds said. “I think visitors to the exhibition are going to be given a really great experience and perspective.”

The immersive exhibition will see visitors first encounter a giant cuddle box, then guided through a sensory garden filled with tactile landscapes. Wayfinding will guide people into an intimate, underwater-themed experience before resurfacing into a digital world of light and wonder.

To complement the exhibition there will be a marketplace for artists to sell their work, live performances and interactive workshops throughout the 3-day program.

Ability to Create Next Level 2022 – A Sensory Experience will open on Thursday 28 July at 1pm at the City of Hobart Town Hall Ballroom. Entry is free and more information, including the full program, can be found at the City of Hobart website.

Hobartcity.com.au/abilitytocreate

FULL SCHEDULE:

  • Thursday 28 July – 1-4pm
  • Friday 29 July – 10am-2pm
  • Saturday 30 July 10am-2pm