As We Are: Artists Who Have An Intellectual Disability

Inspired by the creative expression of artists who have an intellectual disability and a belief in equal opportunities, As We Are was initiated in 2002 as a one-off art award and exhibition and has grown to become a prestigious and significant event on the WA arts calendar. The initiative has also expanded to include a number of projects aimed at recognising and valuing the creative expression of WA artists who have an intellectual disability and their contribution to the Western Australian arts and broader community.
Through the years As We Are has been supported by the dedication and passion of diverse individuals and organisations in coordinating this initiative. It is a project that is not owned by any one organisation but is organised by a community who is moved by the foundational ethos and spirit of As We Are, the inspiring and creative achievements of artists who have an intellectual disability, and the exciting possibilities and potential of things to come.
As We Are currently coordinates:
- An annual Art Award and Exhibition for Western Australian artists who have an intellectual disability
- A select exhibition for Western Australian artists who have an intellectual disability at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Art Gallery
- A Disability and the Arts Network and respective annual Forum for artists who have an intellectual disability, their family, friends and support workers, as well as arts workers and administrators
- A quarterly newsletter, detailing disability and the arts articles, artist profiles and upcoming events.