2004 - Griffith

Services > Advocacy in Action > Advocacy in Action Events > 2004 'What are YOU lookin' at?'

Welcome to "What Are YOU Lookin' At?", the Art Expo that gives everyone a chance to see the great range of talent in the Griffith community.

Today we are privileged to see a cross-section of the diverse community that Griffith is. Showcased here today we see vibrant artworks by people with a disability and young people and beautiful handicraft by women from a range of cultural backgrounds.

The idea behind this Expo was to celebrate the contribution that different groups make to the Griffith community and the role of art and culture in bringing the community together. Time and time again we see art and cultural activities bridging the gaps within the community and creating opportunities to bring people together.

The theme " What Are YOU Lookin' At?" is an interesting one, suggested by Elizabeth Martin, a singer/ songwriter who believes people should be acknowledged for their creativity and talent, not because they look different, have a disability or see the world in a different way. Elizabeth says 'Hear my music but let me be conspicuous…or allow me to get lost in the crowd'. For her, "What are YOU Lookin' At?" is all about 'NORMAL' people staring at 'THESE' people… and the frustration of being 'weird' or 'stared at' or not fitting in or whatever… which often leads to someone saying 'what are YOU lookin' at?'…. and yet … it's an art show … where people WILL be looking at art… by the people that are often being stared at….".

Today's Expo is for people to experience the talent and creativity of artists in our local community, some of whom are often stared at because they look different or behave differently. Instead of staring at the artists, look at their work…feel its power and beauty…acknowledge its creative source.

Having a disability should not stop people from having a dream, working on that dream or fulfilling it…but often other people's low expectations or ignorance have a big impact on people's lives, whether it is in their art and culture or other parts of their lives.

By contrast, today is about looking at the art works, recognising the incredible talent behind them, celebrating the fact that we are all individuals and that we all contribute to our diverse community. Hopefully a community that is eager to embrace differences.

So…people who feel weird or don't fit in, don't feel frustrated and say 'what are YOU lookin at?'. Enjoy the differences…appreciate the 'other'.

And if an artist here today says to you 'what are YOU lookin at?' you can reply…'your art work…how much is it?'

Just as 'no publicity is bad publicity'…no artist can be too conspicuous, too different or too 'out there'.

Relax, talk to the artists about their work…enjoy the show. And thanks for being part of this great event.

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