An integral part of contemporary art

6 September 2010
Sandz Gallery and Studio in Hamilton provides art tuition and exhibition opportunities for artists with intellectual disabilities, with a strong focus on support to become self-sufficient, independent artists.

Its main purpose is to ensure that disabled people have access to art, quality materials, tuition and exhibition space. Through the exhibition of their work, the artists are able to generate an income for themselves and for the studio.

Emma Fletcher, team leader at Sandz, is proud of all the artists. “We like to promote their work as integral to the broad spectrum of contemporary art.”

Two mainstream exhibitions

For example, the work of Sandz Gallery artist Dianne Cadman featured in two mainstream exhibitions this year – one at Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art (COCA) and the other in the 12th International Collage Exhibition in France.

Another Sandz Gallery artist is Kamini Nair. Her solo exhibition Yellow, Pink, Red, Orange ran early this year at ArtsPost Gallery in Hamilton. At the same time, Kamini featured in an Attitude TV documentary that examined the value of art for disabled people.

The documentary’s researcher and reporter Tanya Black said that for Kamini, having her work accepted for exhibition in a mainstream gallery gave her greater access to the community.

Last year, Sandz Gallery artist Cherie Mellsopp won first prize in the IHC Telecom Art Awards. Cherie’s work also featured in the COCA Anthony Harper Art Award exhibition this year.

Every year, Sandz Gallery supports the IHC Telecom Art Awards by exhibiting the regional finalists’ work over July and August.

This year, Emma is delighted that five of its artists are among the 30 finalists whose work will be included in the awards exhibition at the St James Theatre Gallery in  Wellington from 14 to 21 September.

Sandz runs specialist workshops led by community artists. This exposes the attending artists to varying techniques and creates strong partnerships with art students and volunteers.

Collective environment

“It is a collective environment where all participants can support, influence and inspire one another creatively,” says Emma. “The production of artwork is an integral and essential part of communication, where ordinary means may be hindered.”

Sandz Gallery was established more than ten years ago by IHC and IDEA Services (Intellectual Disability Empowerment in Action Services). IDEA Services and other disability organisations refer artists to the gallery.

The gallery is funded by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development. This year, it received additional funding to establish printmaking.

Sandz Gallery and Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

For more information:
Lorraine Pemberton
Team leader
Sandz Gallery and Studio
6 Kent St, Frankton Village
Hamilton 3204
T: 07 847 4344
E: