Blue Mountains News

sensorial is a groundbreaking exhibition created with the neurodivergent community in mind. Audiences are encouraged to touch, listen and be immersed in the artworks, rather than simply observe them.

The exhibition, curated by Blue Mountains City Council’s Artistic Program Leader, Rilka Oakley, includes new and existing work made by neurodivergent and disabled people, and those who work with them.

It was originally supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW. 

Artists featured in the touring exhibition include Alison Bennett with Megan Beckwith; Liam Benson; Ramana Dienes-Browning; the Inspired by Art class, led by Clare Delaney; and Katoomba Neurodiversity Hub, led by Amy Bell, Bailee Lobb, Prue Stevenson and Hannah Surtees.

This tour will expand on the model employed by the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in the original development of the exhibition, by engaging local groups to create participatory works, such as Inspired by Art, a weekly class facilitated by artist Clare Delaney.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said “This landmark exhibition provides visitors with surprising opportunities to engage with all it has to offer. Taking the exhibition into regional NSW provides the artists with a larger canvass to express themselves and their ideas, through their compelling works.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle MP, said: “Ensuring that art is accessible to all, for creative participants and regional communities, is a key objective of the NSW Government’s Regional Arts Touring fund, via Create NSW. Many thanks to all involved in sensorial – and particularly the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre team and vibrant artists – for making this happen!”

Celeste, an exhibiting artist and member of Inspired by Art, shared her excitement about the upcoming tour, “Having our work seen and experienced by more people is beyond exciting. We feel seen, heard, and appreciated, and that has always been our mission.”

Between November this year and December 2026,sensorial will visit Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre, Tamworth Regional Gallery, Glasshouse Regional Gallery in Port Macquarie and Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo.

In addition to the exhibition tour, the funding will allow the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to facilitate a range of public engagement programs at each venue, including artists talks and workshops led by the exhibiting artists.

sensorial, was recently awarded the Accessible Arts Award for Access at the 2024 IMAGinE awards presented by Museums & Galleries of NSW. 

The tour will be made possible with funding from Create NSW’s 2024/25 Regional Arts Touring fund which aims to connect NSW creatives and cultural institutions, generate employment and boost vibrancy across the state.

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba is Council’s leading creative facility, and comprises the City Gallery, World Heritage Exhibition, retail shop, cafe, and creative meeting and workshop spaces.

To learn more about arts opportunities, exhibitions, and upcoming events, visit here