Digital COVID-19 art exhibition enriches lives of older Australians

Uniting NSW.ACT’s ‘Art while we’re apart’ is currently showcasing over 500 art works created by around 250 people from aged care and retirement living in an innovative digital art exhibition.

The physical exhibition officially opened on 28th October in Sydney with the winners of several art categories being announced.

During COVID-19, vulnerable communities have had to be particularly careful to avoid high-traffic areas and a digital collection will allow all Australians to view the exhibition safely from their home.

The digital gallery is divided by artwork categories with a winner and three merit prizes. Awards were given in the following categories:

• Painting and drawing
• Craft and textiles
• Music
• Photography and video
• Written and spoken word
• Innovative

The exhibition saw entries collected across Uniting’s home care, seniors gym, aged care and retirement living services and became a way to mark the unprecedented times we are in.

The digital collection will also allow residents to finally see the artworks from other services and spark discussion around how they captured this unique moment in time.

Uniting Lifestyle Specialist, Vanessa Ogborne, was the first initiator of the exhibition as she wanted a way to maintain connection between all the different services during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The start of COVID-19 was a scary time for all of us and we wanted to help our people not just maintain a sense of normalcy but have an enriching experience.”

“In May, we created an art competition that would keep everyone connected and engaged despite their physical distance,

“COVID-19 forced us to find new ways to support our people and they took up their paint brushes with gusto

“It was wonderful to see that people we’re staying connected throughout the process by sharing ideas and even collaborating on artworks

“The idea was that even though we were physically apart, we were going to come together again to celebrate each other,

“COVID-19 is still a concern for older Australians and that’s why we are glad that everyone can still view the collection safely.” said Vanessa.

The full digital exhibition can be found at:  artwhilewereapart.uniting.org

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