PRESS RELEASE
Turning Artworks into Crutches An art exhibition with a difference and with twin objectives will take place at the Depot Artspace, Clarence Street, Devonport from 9-22 August.
Titled "Turning Mobility ", the project was conceived and is directed by Tim Turner, a freelance artist living and working in Devonport.
On a recent visit to Bali Tim, who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident when he was 18, noticed many disabled young people who could neither access nor afford the kind of prosthesis that he was entitled to in New Zealand.
On his return, he decided to hold an exhibition by New Zealand artists in order to raise funds to buy crutches for the needy kids in Bali who donÕt have access to the kind of medical system we take for granted. At the same time, he thought, the exhibition would provide an opportunity to highlight the work of some of New Zealand's artists with 'other abilities'. And so the Turning Mobility was born.
The exhibition has already attracted entries from at least 30 artists and Tim Turner hopes this will rise to around 50 before the opening date of 9 August. A number of the artists are themselves "disabled" (though this is not a term they would use), and some of the works aim to provide an insight into how people cope with different abilities.
While some artists have submitted works for sale on the usual commission basis, others have gladly donated works in order to help fund the purchase of crutches.
The Turning Mobility Project is in the process of forming a Trust that will use the funds raised to purchase crutches from Cubro International, which is sponsoring the project by offering very advantageous prices on its products. Tim is also seeking assistance from an airline to fly the crutches to Bali, along with two people to help with fittings and advise on their use.
"Turning Mobility" opens at 6pm on Saturday 9 August at the Depot Artspace. The opening will include performances by the Touch Compass Dance Company, comedian Phillip Patston, Caitlin Smith & Friends, and percussion group Hounfor du Marchˇ.
PRESS CONTACT: Tim Turner -Home 09 445 3775;
Mobile 021 174 3457
Email oneoffproductions@yahoo.co.nz
