Artists living with disability in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are invited to apply to participate in Ability in Action // Art Exhibition 2026.

ARTISTS and makers living with disability in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are invited to apply to participate in Ability in Action // Art Exhibition 2026.

This exhibition has been made possible through funding from Arts Mid North Coast, and participation is completely free for selected artists.

Rachael Thorpe, disability advocate and acting secretary of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce said: “We are looking for artists and makers across a range of creative mediums who would like the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional exhibition environment and share their creativity with the wider community.

“We would love to see the incredible creativity and talent that exists within our local disability community and give artists the opportunity to have their work seen, celebrated and valued.

“For me the main emphasis is that this event is centred around showcasing the talents of disabled artists and I hope the public will be supportive of that.

“We’re also grateful to the Chamber for agreeing to auspice the grant.”

Organisers are keen to support artists setting up the exhibition and encourage artists to have a formal or informal support person with them throughout the day.

Artists are invited to attend a free workshop providing practical tips on marketing themselves and their art, as well as ideas for presenting and styling their work.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November at Laurieton United Services Club.

There will be an opportunity for the community to have a conversation about disability in a “You Can’t Ask That” panel discussion featuring Rachael Thorpe and Noel Hiffernan OAM, both full-time wheelchair users.

EOI forms can be requested by emailing hello@visitcamdenhaven.com.au

Applications close 21 October 2026.

By Pauline CAIN