Bird Life Jungle Disco is a large-scale wall painting by Victoria Atkinson, Katrina Brennan, Emily Crockford, Annette Galstaun, Meagan Pelham, Lisa Scott and Damian Showyin of Studio A, a supported studio that creates professional pathways for artists with intellectual disability. Studio A tackles the barriers that such artists face in accessing conventional education and professional development and supports them to achieve their artistic and economic aspirations.
Spanning 175 sqm across three interconnected sites, the artwork encircles the new UTS Central Food Court and is on view to the public from today. UTS Central is a vibrant student hub and faculty space at the heart of our city campus. As well as the new UTS Library, the building is home to a scholarly Reading Room, the colourful Hive Superlab, three unique large collaborative classrooms, a wealth of student study spaces, and new public art by Australian artists.
‘Contemporary art and artists reflect our values as a university and a society’
McDonald continues, ‘Bird Life Jungle Disco tells a colourful story of birds and animals at play in a busy social world. The mural speaks to the character and passion of each of the artists who made it, and to the diversity and energy of the UTS community itself. UTS ART is committed to working with individuals and organisations dedicated to social purpose and we are thrilled to have worked with Studio A to enliven the university’s newest social space and tell the story of the wider world in which our students live and learn.’
‘Studio A artist Annette Galstaun has long dreamed of going to university. So, it was with great pride and excitement that she accepted this invitation, knowing her and her fellow artists’ work would enliven UTS for years to come,'
Mordy elaborates, 'Diverse bird life of all shapes, sizes and colours defines Studio A’s artwork. Their diversity empowers their capacity, and they hope the work brings fun, respite and surprise to the UTS community. We are honoured to work with UTS ART to contribute public artwork that deepens the quality of cultural life at UTS.’