For artists with intellectual disabilities, negotiating the art world and finding space to exhibit their work can be a real challenge.

In Sydney, a small network of studios and artists are working to bring the unique skills and insights of these artists to the public. This month, First Draft Gallery in Woolloomooloo opened an exhibition called “Paired”, showcasing collaborations between artists who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and artists who are neuro-normative – or without intellectual disabilities.

Tess was joined by Sydney-based artist and curator of “Paired” Harriet Body to chat about creative equal spaces for neurologically different artists.  You can catch Paired at Firstdraft in Woolloomooloo until this Friday, June 29. And if you’d like to volunteer at a supported studio, visit studioa.org.au.

Image: Tree Bear Punk Queens (2018), Rosie Deacon and Emily Crockford (Firstdraft)