Story
Our founding story
Upon encountering a recreational art program for adults with disability, Gabrielle Mordy and Emma Johnston were wowed by the artistic talents displayed by certain participants. Despite the high quality of art being produced, for even the most dedicated artists, opportunities to professionalise their talents did not exist.
Historically excluded from attending tertiary institutions and exhibiting in cultural institutions, the mainstream arts sector has been inaccessible terrain for artists with disability. Mordy and Johnston were motivated to change this. Inspired by supported studio models established in London, New York and San Francisco, they began to develop projects and initiatives to allow artists with disability to achieve their artistic and professional potential.
Leaders in contemporary art
Studio A is now a leading Australian supported studio, operating with a dedicated team of artists, staff, art facilitators and volunteers. Over the years, we have continued to grow our capacity to create wider social change by securing milestone projects and commissions, engaging wider audiences and challenging stereotypes associated with disability.
2000
Studio ARTES Founded by Wendy Escott & Sue Byatt as a creative space for people with disability.
2011
Led by Gabrielle Mordy and Emma Johnston, Studio ARTES receives its first Arts NSW project grant to support a professional development project linking emerging artists with disability with established artist mentors.
2013
Studio ARTES receives its second project grant from Arts NSW to support an artistic collaboration between artists with disability and leading arts companies Erth Visual & Physical Theatre along with Curious Works and select contemporary artists.
2014
Gabrielle Mordy is awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research supported studios internationally, exploring innovative approaches to artistic collaboration and inclusion.
2016
Studio A registers as an Australian Public Company, Founded by Gabrielle Mordy & Emma Johnston with Chairman Shane Simpson AM.
2016
Studio A artist Peter Dudding has his first solo show ‘Pig Dog’ at First Draft gallery in Sydney. Peter’s work is acquired by Artbank for their permanent collection.
2017
Studio A collaborates with Erth to present "birdfoxmonster" at Carriageworks, an innovative multi sensory performance and dining experience.
2019
Thom Roberts Counts Trains is curated for The National: New Australia Art, Carriageworks.
2020
Emily Crockford is selected as a finalist for the Archibald Prize.
2020
Studio A Artists commissioned by the AGNSW to install a 300 square metre mural, Love owls and mermaids singing in the rainbow pop, for its Entrance Court.
2020
Emily Crockford is named recipient of the 2020 Australia Council National Arts and Disability Award for an Emerging Artist.
2021
Thom Roberts completes first international residency at Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio, Cesena, Italy.
2021
Matthew Calandra, Stations of the Cross (triptych) is acquired for the Art Gallery of NSW’s permanent collection, solidifying his place among Australia's prominent contemporary artists.
2021
Studio A collaborates internationally with Art et al. Peer/Peer - Season One at Cromwell Place in London, fostering artistic connections and showcasing the talents of Studio A artists on an international platform.
2022
Greg Sindel is commissioned by Arts Law and the National Gallery of Australia to create education resources as an expert in visual communications to promote accessibility and representation in the art world.
2023
Thom Roberts presents with Gabrielle Mordy at The CAA Annual Conference, New York.
2020 - 2024
Studio A celebrates a staggering total of 18 entries selected as finalists for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. Congratulations to Victoria Atkinson, Daniel Kim, Catherine McGuinness, Meagan Pelham, Matthew Calandra, Emily Crockford & Thom Roberts!
Support our cause and donate today
Imagine a future where artists with disability thrive in the arts, enjoying equitable opportunities, recognition and the backing to pursue their creative careers. Our goal is to shape a society that wholeheartedly embraces and appreciates the unique artistic offerings of artists with disability.
Your contribution serves as a meaningful investment in making this future a vibrant reality.
Photography by Studio A, Scott Heldorf, Louie Douvis, Alison Clouston, Zan Wimberley, James Gifford-Mead, Studio Air.
