Unstop-Ability, an inclusive production celebrating all abilities, will return in 2021 with the help of a funding boost through the Festivals Australia program.
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What started in 2018 as a diverse, unique and creative project to showcase the talents of young and mature-aged adults with disabilities has grown into a staple, annual event for many throughout the Inverell region.
BEST Employment has received $27,156 for its 2021 production Unstop-Ability: Journey which will culminate in three community performances as part of the Inverell Shire Council Sapphire City Festival.
BEST chief executive officer Penny Alliston-Hall said each year, Unstop-Ability overturns preconceptions of our limitations.
"It translates journey into movement and sound including stories deep within our Kamilaroi landscape. The project reminds us that although we are an original community, we are far from provincial," she said.
Primary and secondary students, Aboriginal cultural arts workers, performers and community, district performers, visual graphic artists, local and regional volunteers and Inverell Shire Council will be involved in the 2021 production.
In 2019, Unstop-Ability: Reach for the Stars was entirely community and crowd funded. It was a show to remember, thanks to creative director and local drama teacher Stephanie Marshall.
"The community backing validated the strong appeal of this inclusive project's intent and it actually received the Inverell Shire Council 2019 Event of the Year Award," Ms Alliston-Hall said.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce was in Inverell on Wednesday to meet with BEST Employment employees to announce the funding.
"I am pleased to announce BEST Employment has received $27,156 for its production Unstop-Ability:Journey through the latest round of the Government's Festivals Australia program, enabling them to deliver its project at the Inverell Sapphire City Festival," Mr Joyce said.
"Unstop-Ability: Journey is a disability and Aboriginal-led production including dance, music, song and drama culminating in three performances at the festival. Four artists will work with participants drawn from disability support services, Aboriginal and youth groups.
"This is great news for the Inverell arts' community and will allow people of all ages, cultures and abilities to explore their creativity."
Each year, the production has grown and become bigger and better than the last. Ms Alliston-Hall believes 2021's event will be no different!
