Art while we’re apart

Launched in May 2020, Uniting’s ‘Art while we’re apart’ competition emerged as a creative way for Uniting NSW & ACT clients and residents in home care, independent living and residential aged care to maintain their social and recreational activities and stay connected during COVID imposed restrictions.Uniting banner

Almost 250 Uniting residents and clients entered close to 500 artworks. Some were group entries, and many individuals entered multiple pieces.

In October 2020, Arjo, in partnership with Uniting, displayed the artwork as part of the exhibition at Arjo Australia’s showroom. This limited COVID-safe physical viewing allowed us to showcase the entries physically, and a dedicated website was also created to allow unlimited virtual viewing online.

The residents and clients then had the opportunity to visit the exhibition or view online; many playing detectives to find their submissions. Without exception, each of these residents and clients were thrilled to be photographed with their work and were incredibly supportive of the project.

Many of them only took up painting or their chosen craft as a hobby on retirement or when they entered an aged care residence. For some, it all began with the art classes or painting programs run by Uniting, and for others, it had been a lifelong yearning only realised upon retirement when time became more plentiful.
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The diversity of entries ranged from painting, drawing, sculpture, jewellery, paper quilling, quilting, knitting, crochet, lacework, instrumentals, writing, poetry and musical compositions, which is indicative of diversity and talent of those who have contributed the pieces.

 

Online Gallery

View the virtual showcase of the creative and inspiring artworks submitted by Uniting clients and residents during COVID-19 -

https://artwhilewereapart.uniting.org/online-gallery/

 

And the winners were…

Watch the video to hear Uniting NSW & ACT’s Chairperson Heather Watson, Executive Director Tracey Burton, Uniting Church Moderator Simon Hansford and Michael Luxton, President, Arjo South East Asia Pacific, as they introduce the exhibition and announce the winners.

https://artwhilewereapart.uniting.org/