ableart was born and the project began in pilot form in early 2007 with 20 artists of all ages and disabilities producing works of art culminating in an exhibition held at Gasworks in Albert Park, Melbourne as part of Deafblind Awareness Week.

The public exhibition was well received and over 200 guests attended the launch, generating much discussion about the quality of the art produced, most of which sold with the proceeds going back to the artists and the program.

In 2008 ableart grew to almost 40 artists.

The ableart program runs at a loss to Able Australia but is seen to be very valuable to the people, artists and family’s we support; achieving a new means of expression, an outlet for creativity and experiencing pure enjoyment from creating art. 

It was in 2008 that Freehills Foundation came on board with Able Australia to partnership the ableart program and sponsors the artist.  We would like to thank Freehills Foundation for their generous act and ensuring the survival of the program.

The 2008 ableart launch was at Freehills own offices and the public exhibition then travelled to Australia on Collins, Melbourne.  Again the exhibition was a success with many of the works being sold and the proceeds going to the artists, with personal pride and confidence being reinforced by the public display and sale of their work. In 2009 Ellen Michelle takes up the position of Art Therapist and Facilitator of the program.

Freehills Foundation is again on board with sponsoring of the artists time which is fantastic and also crucial. 

This year’s exhibition will be held at Federation Square in the Atrium, September 4^th – 11^th 2009.  We anticipate at least 40 artists of all ages and abilities will access ableart this year and have the chance to go to exhibition, having an enormously positive impact on all those involved.

ableart is a valuable program to Able Australia and we hope it can only grow and continue to bring joy, pride and satisfaction to all who participate and donate.

We loved being involved in the ableart program. Knowing we could support a program which Able Australia cherishes gave our lawyers a lot of pride.” Ben Morawetz – Freehills Foundation