Welcome to our website
About Us
Canberry Communications is a Canberra-based non-profit that supports and advocates for disenfranchised communities such as those with lived experience of mental and/or physical disability, those experiencing homelessness, those experiencing addiction issues, refugees and asylum seekers and ex-offenders.
We do this through developing arts projects in a range of media for small charities who may not otherwise have the resources to implement them. We believe strongly in giving a voice to the individual, to people telling their own stories in unique and thought-provoking ways - looking beyond the 'issue' to the whole person.
We rely on grant funding and donations of resources such as expertise, venues, print and media etc. This allows to offer our services to the organisation in question for little or no cost.
We do this through developing arts projects in a range of media for small charities who may not otherwise have the resources to implement them. We believe strongly in giving a voice to the individual, to people telling their own stories in unique and thought-provoking ways - looking beyond the 'issue' to the whole person.
We rely on grant funding and donations of resources such as expertise, venues, print and media etc. This allows to offer our services to the organisation in question for little or no cost.
Current projects- 'Pictures of You'
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Canberry Communications are currently working in collaboration with photographer Hilary Wardhaugh and the Belco Arts Centre, supported by ACT Government on an innovative new exhibition, “Pictures of You”. This explores a unique approach to portrayals of people with lived experience of physical disabled and mental health disabilities collaborating as equals with Hilary to produce a portrait honestly reflecting the whole person and not just the ‘consumer’ – a process that has had surprising and inspirational results – both for the subject and the artist.
More on the "Pictures of You" exhibition - launching 2nd December - at this link. |
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Who We Are
John Brookes - Project Manager
John has over 25 years in arts marketing in the public, government, commercial and disability charity sectors across the UK, Fiji and Australia.
As a photographer he has worked for the London Police, Royal National Institute of the Blind, Fiji Paralympic Team and Fair Canberra; as well as exhibiting locally since emigrating 10 years ago. He previously won the MENSA British Photographer of the Year and worked with the Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji following Hurricane Winston, documenting relief efforts.
In 2017 John was given three months to live due to organ failure. He reached out to artist Professor John Hyatt of Liverpool John Moore University to paint a memorial portrait, and a bond was formed during this process of creating. Both learnt about themselves in this two-way interaction, leading to the “Pictures of You” project.
John still going five years later and intends to continue for the foreseeable future!
John has over 25 years in arts marketing in the public, government, commercial and disability charity sectors across the UK, Fiji and Australia.
As a photographer he has worked for the London Police, Royal National Institute of the Blind, Fiji Paralympic Team and Fair Canberra; as well as exhibiting locally since emigrating 10 years ago. He previously won the MENSA British Photographer of the Year and worked with the Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji following Hurricane Winston, documenting relief efforts.
In 2017 John was given three months to live due to organ failure. He reached out to artist Professor John Hyatt of Liverpool John Moore University to paint a memorial portrait, and a bond was formed during this process of creating. Both learnt about themselves in this two-way interaction, leading to the “Pictures of You” project.
John still going five years later and intends to continue for the foreseeable future!
