Campbelltown Art Centre’s popular Little Orange studio is turning 10. Since 2014, the studio for artists living with disability has fostered artistic practice through the provision of materials, mentorships, business training and access to industry professionals.
Drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, performance and new media – they have all been part of Little Orange over the past decade.
And there have been plenty of highlights and milestones over those 10 years, including Xeni Kusumitra’s painting of previous director Michael Dagostino named a finalist in the 2021 Archibald Prize.
Then there was Imogen Jade’s collaboration with fashion icon Jenny Kee for the 2024 exhibition My brilliant sophisticated spontaneous scarf adventure and journey, which featured a silk scarf designed by the pair, pictured below.
Public art projects such as a large-scale mural at Apex Park by Jezzy Fezzy and a floor mural at Ingleburn Town Centre by Jessica Pound, both Little Orange studio participants.
Other public art activations include Eagle Farm Park, Redfern Park, Rizal Park and a city-wide domestic violence awareness campaign with artist Giselle Stanborough.
Little Orange studio has also collaborated with major art organisations such as Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, as well as Kaldor Public Art Projects.
Art Gallery of NSW invited the studio to collaborate on Art After Hours: International Day of People with Disability exhibition and a series of Love and Happiness talks.
Coinciding with this year’s International Day of People with Disability, the studio will celebrate with a special tour of the Fisher’s Ghost art award exhibition at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
This annual exhibition features finalists, including Little Orange Studio Artists and the Macability Award, which recognises the best work by an artist living with disability.
Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound congratulated the Little Orange Studio on the 10 year milestone.
“By championing accessibility and inclusivity, Campbelltown is not only supporting local talent but also establishing itself as a leader in the arts landscape, inspiring other communities to prioritise creativity, opportunity, and innovation,” Cr Lound said.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for our community where they can thrive and contribute to the city’s rich cultural legacy,” he said.
“I warmly invite our local community to join us at Campbelltown Arts Centre for Little Orange’s celebratory event, held in conjunction with the celebrated Fisher’s Ghost Art Award,” he said.
Little Orange Studio coordinator David Capra is delighted the program is turning 10.
“Over the years the studio’s dreams have become bigger and bigger,’’ says Mr Capra.
“I’m eager for what’s in store for our artists, from large-scale public art projects to small breakthroughs in the studio,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by studio assistant Julie Finch.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege working alongside artists with so much talent, passion, and courage,’’ Ms Finch said.
“I could not be prouder of what they have achieved.”
Current Little Orange Studio artists have described their time at Little Orange as integral for their artistic practice.
“Thanks to the program, I have evolved to the point where I finally have that creative niche I never thought I would have 10 years ago, all thanks to experimenting and practising my craft,’’ says Jezzy Fezzy.
Imogen Jade spoke about what it means to have a studio space like Little Orange in the Macarthur region.
“I think Campbelltown Arts Centre is a loving place,’’ Ms Jade said.
“It’s very fun and creative.”
Joel Beers, who has been involved in Little Orange since the first day, said the studio was a very welcoming place.
“It’s a great achievement; I’m very happy for the studio turning 10,’’ he said.
The director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, Mouna Zaylah, spoke about the significance of a program like this in Campbelltown.
“Little Orange Studio is a vital part of Campbelltown Arts Centre’s programming, offering a unique, nurturing space to support the practice and career growth of our resident studio artists,” she said.
“This initiative is set to expand over the coming years, broadening its reach and impact. We remain committed to creating meaningful opportunities for artists in the region and fostering an inclusive, thriving arts community,’’ she said.
