Mai-Wel Partners with MRAG and Studio A on Inclusive Arts Program
Mai-Wel is excited to announce its involvement in Big Smoke, Little Smoke, a new inclusive arts program launching at Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) in partnership with Studio A.
Supported through the Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program, Big Smoke, Little Smoke has been designed to develop the professional skills and creative practices of people with disability living in the Maitland and Hunter region.
It is a program that sits right at the intersection of arts, inclusion, and community, and one Mai-Wel is looking forward to.
What the Program Offers
A number of local artists living with disability have been selected to take part in a series of weekly workshops and mentoring sessions at MRAG's onsite art studios across the course of a year. The program is tailored to meet the individual goals of each participant, fostering confidence, independence, and professional growth within a culturally safe and accessible environment.
Participants will have their own dedicated studio space to work in and will experience what it truly means to work with a gallery, from the conception of an idea through to the execution of a full body of work, engaging with curation and exhibition-making along the way.
The program will later feature a public exhibition at MRAG, celebrating the unique voices and talents of the participating artists and promoting their visibility within the regional and national arts landscape.
Meet the Mentor
Leading the mentoring component of the program is Shan Turner-Carroll, a queer artist of Burmese descent living and working on Wonnarua Country in Lovedale.
Shan has an extensive studio art practice, exhibiting throughout Australia and overseas, and brings a wealth of experience in community collaboration, workshop facilitation, and studio support. His involvement in Big Smoke, Little Smoke brings real depth and expertise to what is already a remarkable program.
Katrina Sharman, Mai-Wel's Senior Manager – NDIS Pathways explained how thrilled the team and participants are to have such an amazing artist and human as Shan leading the project.
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with artists from Studio A, Sydney's leading supported arts organisation, bringing metropolitan and regional artists together in a meaningful creative exchange.
For The Artists
Mai-Wel's long-standing relationship with Maitland Regional Art Gallery is built on mutual respect and shared opportunities. Watching the artists grow through this process promises to be deeply rewarding.
Katrina Sharman said, "Our Social, Community and Creative Pathways have been delivering arts programs for over 10 years, and this is a great way to further the opportunities available to our participants."
Why This Matters
Opportunities like Big Smoke, Little Smoke open doors for artists who might not otherwise have access to major gallery projects. Preparing a portfolio and submission requires immense dedication, creativity, and courage.
This partnership reflects Mai-Wel's commitment to supporting people with disability to pursue their passions and build sustainable creative careers. Art builds confidence, creates connection, and opens doors, and Big Smoke, Little Smoke is designed to do just that.
We look forward to sharing more about this initiative as it progresses.
