Raph’s home. Paul Dunn’s exhibition opens a door into the world ofpeople living with a disability.
By Geoff Ellis
HOW many rental properties have a ramp to the front door? How many new houses are designed for people with a disability?
Many people with a disability have to move into share accommodation where they suffer loss of privacy and experience the difficulty of meshing with people with differing needs who are forced to share facilities and spaces.
Opening Doors, the new photographic exhibition opening at ArtSpace Wonthaggi next week (COVID permitting), challenges the emphasis on group living by demonstrating housing options that provide a sense of independence and connection with friends, family, and community.
HOW many rental properties have a ramp to the front door? How many new houses are designed for people with a disability?
Many people with a disability have to move into share accommodation where they suffer loss of privacy and experience the difficulty of meshing with people with differing needs who are forced to share facilities and spaces.
Opening Doors, the new photographic exhibition opening at ArtSpace Wonthaggi next week (COVID permitting), challenges the emphasis on group living by demonstrating housing options that provide a sense of independence and connection with friends, family, and community.
The exhibition features photographs taken by Paul Dunn, a Melbourne based photographer, and films by Lawrence Johnston, an internationally award-winning writer, director and producer.
The photo shoot opens with a chandelier lit with glorious northern light in Raph’s room. The final photo shows Naomi’s mum’s house on a wet cold spring day.
The photo shoot opens with a chandelier lit with glorious northern light in Raph’s room. The final photo shows Naomi’s mum’s house on a wet cold spring day.
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The diverse and imaginative ‘interior design’ flourishes are a wonderful source of engagement and connection with the viewer.
The project was commissioned by Action for More Independence and Dignity in Accommodation, an independent advocacy organisation which believes people with disability have a right to good quality housing which is accessible, affordable and non-institutional. It was funded by the Victorian Government.
It has equal relevance in Bass Coast, where rental accommodation is in very short supply for everyone and homelessness is on the rise.
While some homeless people are living in the wetlands, others sleep in cars. They couch surf, moving from one friend’s home to another before the burden of their presence becomes too great. Varying degrees of lockdown add an extra layer of complication to their existence.
Everyone has the right to a home. Everyone has the right to choose where that home is and who they live with.
Opening Doors is on at ArtSpace Wonthaggi from July 20 with the official opening on Saturday 24 at 2pm, COVID permitting.
The project was commissioned by Action for More Independence and Dignity in Accommodation, an independent advocacy organisation which believes people with disability have a right to good quality housing which is accessible, affordable and non-institutional. It was funded by the Victorian Government.
It has equal relevance in Bass Coast, where rental accommodation is in very short supply for everyone and homelessness is on the rise.
While some homeless people are living in the wetlands, others sleep in cars. They couch surf, moving from one friend’s home to another before the burden of their presence becomes too great. Varying degrees of lockdown add an extra layer of complication to their existence.
Everyone has the right to a home. Everyone has the right to choose where that home is and who they live with.
Opening Doors is on at ArtSpace Wonthaggi from July 20 with the official opening on Saturday 24 at 2pm, COVID permitting.