Accessible art creates strange companions

Tonight I have been attending the Arts Access Awards 2014. These awards recognise arts for both disabled community and prison inmates. It seems an unlikely pairing. Event is huge - probably close to 300 people It was hosted by both Chris Finlayson as Minister Arts, Culture & Heritage and Anne Tolley as Minister of Corrections. So you have awards presented to blind singer, young person with intellectual disability and burly prison guard.

The Award trophies were made by a disabled artist from Lower Hutt called Robert Rapson. Robert is apparently best known for his Beehive teapot - shown here and owned by NZ Parliament. Chris Finlayson noted that he was in the unusual position of presenting a piece of Robert Rapston ceramics to Robert Rapston who was awarded the Artistic Achievement Award.

Lovely night - except no food. Last time I went it was sit down meal this time nothing!!