Kaleidoscope is the name of an art exhibition hosted by Scope, which showcases the artistic talents of people with disabilities. The exhibition, which is being held across the State, includes a series of exhibits at the Long Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate.

This morning I was invited to open the Exhibition at Maroondah Federation Estate to encourage members of the community to view artworks that were submitted under the theme of ‘Inspiration Works’. The launch was accompanied by ambient music provided by members of Scope, showcasing musical, as well as artistic talents.

The Kaleidoscope Exhibition was widely attended with several members travelling across Victoria to be present at the opening. It was wonderful to be a part of the exhibition and to see Scope celebrating the artistic talents of its members.

The speech I delivered during the proceedings in available within this post:

Good morning and welcome to the launch of the Kaleidoscope Exhibition in the Long Gallery at Maroondah Federation Estate.

I would like to begin by providing the acknowledgement of country:

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are meeting on land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.

We, Maroondah City Council, accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.

The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.

It is the notion of individuality that brings us here today for the Kaleidoscope Exhibition, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the arts. The exhibition features over 30 artists and I congratulate each of these artists for having works on display in the exhibition in the Long Gallery.

The Long Gallery was officially unveiled last year to showcase community based art exhibitions and Kaleidoscope fulfils this vision through providing an opportunity for artists who may otherwise have no ability to show their talents.

Several exhibitions are planned and we are privileged to have the Long Gallery and Maroondah Federation Estate as one of the chosen locations for the Kaleidoscope Exhibition.

Art is a form of expression and enables us to communicate powerful thoughts and emotions. The artistic talent on display should challenge our notions of disability and make us aware that all people should have opportunities within our community to convey their talents and their skills.

I commend Scope for holding the Kaleidoscope Exhibition, which is now in its 3rd year, with the aim of building confidence and encouraging creativity and artistic talent.

I commend the artists who have entered the exhibition and whose works are on display. Many people find exhibiting their work to be a daunting challenge and yet the artists who are featured in the exhibition have had the confidence to be able to display their works to the wider community.

The theme of the 2010 Kaleidoscope Exhibition is Inspiration Works and we can see many examples of what inspires these artists. In viewing these works, we should also consider what inspires us and how we can harness this inspiration to achieve what otherwise may seem unachievable.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Long Gallery at the Maroondah Federation Estate and to officially open the Kaleidoscope Exhibition.