Final words from iNDx Exhibition Team Member Tanea Peterson
We have come to the end of iNDx Art Exhibition 2019. I first connected with Rachel Cooper from Otago Museum at the Arts Access Aotearoa meeting in 2017. Even with my enduring optimism, I couldn’t have imagined how widespread and impacting this project would become.
In saying that, the energy we felt, from the very beginning, was a true indicator of what was to follow.
We built a microcosm of potential with the iNDx team, our wonderful artists, local and national, and a wealth of supporters. All the while, the Museum team thoughtfully supported us along every step.
This coming together of many diverse people built a strong framework to build from. Enabling us to weave our visual arts, stories, and connections into something beautiful, powerful and evolving.
The Autism community is often isolated, ‘spoken about, not with’, and underestimated in abilities. The iNDx Exhibition and workshops shifted this by stimulating an open, and refreshing dialogue on Autism. We welcomed, and included many voices, in many forms. The diversity of art on display created a welcoming ambience for that to happen.
Otago Museum has been the perfect meeting house for us to share our stories, gently challenge assumptions, and strengthen the Autistic community.
Our workshops were designed to get people thinking, and excited about, Autistic potential.
Deep discussions have been had, and valuable friendships have been forged. There is growing excitement for what the future will bring.
To sum up the overarching feeling of Otago Museum and iNDx collaboration in one word: Hope.
I couldn’t have asked for more for the Autism community.
Thank you
Tanea Paterson
iNDx Exhibition Team Member |
