25 October 2016

Professor Marie Wilson and Catherine House CEO Linda Matthews.In one of its most ambitious exhibitions yet, Catherine House presents CHART - featuring the creative work of women who, for a range of reasons, have become homeless and have accessed the services of Catherine House, including their innovative ‘Arts for Social Change’ program.

The vibrant mixed media display, themed ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ features the work of 25 artists, and their children. For some women, this is their first artistic attempt or their first exhibition.

Sponsored by UniSA Business School and UniSA’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre the exhibition is on display until Friday 4 November at UniSA’s Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Hawke Building, City West campus.

Catherine House CEO Linda Matthews say the exhibition captures the sense of what is possible when artists and communities work together to achieve a common goal.

“Each piece has its own story to tell. We are so proud of what has been achieved,” Matthews says

Manager: Strategic Development, UniSA Business School, Jade O’Donohue says the exhibition is an important example of the power of creativity, community and support to enable new opportunities and paths to success.

“We’re so pleased to partner with Catherine House for this third CHART exhibition because we understand how personal development and the acquisition of skills can transform lives,” O’Donohue says.

“The confidence to create and share their work is a huge step for many women who through various circumstances have felt out of place, undermined or disempowered.

“Importantly this exhibition gives them visibility, acknowledges their talents and worth, and provides insights for those who come along to see their work.”

Professor Marie Wilson, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business and Law) says the UniSA Business School has had a long association with Catherine House, its philanthropic partner.

“Catherine House, provides education opportunities as an additional means of support to help women move out of homelessness,” Prof Wilson says.

“This approach is well aligned with our values of social justice, our efforts to advance gender equality, and our support for women affected by domestic violence.

“We are pleased to stand shoulder to shoulder with Catherine House to support women – not just in their time of need, but towards their goal of supporting women out of homelessness.”

Operating since 1988, Catherine House Catherine House provides supported accommodation and services women experiencing homelessness. The services are for women who are without children and aged over 18. Each night Catherine House provides accommodation to 48 women who would otherwise be vulnerable and homeless. 

Follow the women’s stories on facebook and find out more about Catherine House’s mission and services.

Detour Design Studio, Tom Roschi Photography, Peacock Press, Catapult Foundation, Altitude Advisory, JamFactory and Peter Andrinopoulos – Photos by Peter, are also sponsors and supporters of this exhibition. 

Media contact: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au  mobile 0418 823 673 
Photographs of the exhibition launch can be made available on request

Other articles you may be interested in