For Lara, art is more than just a passion, it’s how she expresses herself and connects with the community around her.

As a dedicated artist and long term participant of Multicap’s Centre of Creative Arts, Lara has spent over 15 years developing her unique style in both visual and performing arts through the program.

In early 2024, Lara’s commitment to the arts was recognised when she received the Nigel Webb Bursary, a grant presented by Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) to support people with disability in pursuing their passions.

Lara chose to use the grant for professional development, heading to Melbourne, a city renowned for its vibrant and inclusive disability arts scene, where she could further hone her craft.

From the city’s famous laneways filled with striking murals to its thriving gallery spaces, Lara couldn’t wait to explore all Melbourne had to offer.

Armed with her art portfolio, she introduced herself to local artists and was surprised by how many shared a connection to the disability arts scene.

“I brought copies of my art portfolio to share with people I met along the way. It was a great conversation starter, and I was surprised by how many locals had some kind of connection to the disability arts scene in Melbourne,” said Lara.

A highlight of the trip for Lara and her mum, Madeleine, was attending the opening night of the Alter State Festival. This event is Australia’s first disability-led arts festival celebrating Deaf and disabled artists.

“It was amazing to attend just one part of this extensive arts festive showcasing all the amazing abilities of artists with disabilities, “exploding expectations”.

“It made me proud to be a part of this community,” said Lara.

Sitting at their table was Carly Findlay, a respected disability advocate who left Lara and Madeleine star-struck and made the night even more memorable.

During their visit, Lara also spent time at Arts Project Australia, an organisation that supports artists with intellectual disabilities to create and sell their work.

“The Arts Project Australia studio was kind enough to allow me to visit for the day and even participate alongside their resident artists,” said Lara. “I was nervous to begin with, but everyone was so welcoming,” she said.

Lara’s bubbly personality and artistic talent quickly made an impression. What was originally planned as a one-day visit, turned into three!

“I soon felt at home amongst new friends – and was invited back for two more days,” she said.

Lara left Melbourne with a stronger sense of belonging within the disability arts community.

Since returning to Brisbane and settling back into her routine attending Multicap’s Centre of Creative Arts Program, Lara has maintained an ongoing relationship with Arts Project Australia and regularly attends their live online art classes.

Interested in creative arts? Explore Multicap’s Centre of Creative Arts program here, available at various locations throughout Queensland.