Studio ARTES Northside Inc and Gallery ARTES

Studio ARTES, located within the Hornsby Shire on Sydney’s North Shore, is an independent not-for-profit organisation operating five days per week providing services in recreational and vocational training and artistic programs for people with disabilities. The core vision of providing this service is to increase independence, employability and community involvement as well as to break down stereotypical barriers of indifference sometimes associated with disabilities.

The implementation of Studio ARTES began in 2000 and was started by program manager Wendy Escott and program administrator Sue Byatt due to a high demand and necessity for this type of service. The service commenced with a clientele of 16 adults with disabilities, ranging from mild to severe intellectual and physical disabilities. The organisation crosses boundaries of government responsibility and caters for all stakeholders regardless of their disability, age, funding status or other life situation. Typically, the members of Studio ARTES have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Schizophrenia and other intellectual and physical challenges ranging from mild to high support needs.

‘ARTES’ is an acronym for the studio services in Art; Recreation; Training; Employment; and Skills.