An art exhibition by Central Coast women with disability has been awarded $19,400 by the State Government to celebrate women’s achievements and empower them to seize new opportunities during 2026 Women’s Week.
Fairhaven Services received the grant for “Voices Unheard: Celebrating Female Artists with Disability”, a week-long art exhibition running 2-8 March 2026 at its Op Shopping Village in Point Clare.
Fairhaven’s retail manager Hannah Atkin said the concept for the exhibition grew from recognising a persistent challenge in the art world: “That women artists, particularly those with disability, face significant barriers to market access despite their talent and creativity.”
Ms Atkin said the exhibition will feature paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media, with each artwork displayed alongside artist statements that share personal stories.
“All works will be available for purchase, giving the artists opportunities to generate income and professional recognition,” Ms Atkin said.
“This exhibition powerfully amplifies the voices of women with disability by showcasing their artistic talents as professional contributors and creating direct economic opportunities.”
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said Women’s Week Grants have been running since 2018 to fund innovative events that empower women and girls to participate in our communities, to advance gender equality in the longer term.
“There are sure to be some powerful and poignant works on display as these artists raise their voices to be heard.”
It’s not only artistic endeavour that is being realised in the exhibition but also skills learned through professional development workshops on aspects such as pricing, marketing, and customer engagement.
“By presenting women with disability as creative leaders and skilled professionals in a high-traffic retail space, we’re challenging intersectional stereotypes about disability and gender,” Ms Atkin said.
“We anticipate reaching 700-plus visitors across the week, demonstrating to the broader community that gender and disability doesn’t limit creativity, professional capability, or economic contribution.”
NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Monday 2 March 2026 to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March 2026, is an annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women in our state. The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards will be held in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.
Source: Media Release from the Office of Liesl Tesch Member for Gosford
