Artworks are first available for purchase by sponsors and dignitaries before being available in person at the Exhibition in Brisbane. Unsold artworks can also be purchased online following the event.
"Sometimes I feel free and colourful, like a rainbow lorikeet. I often see them in my area and they remind me to try to shine even when I feel lonely."
Ben is a self-taught artist who lives with schizophrenia, which profoundly disrupted his life for many years. He says in the pit of despair, art brought him home to himself again. Ben says art provides him with a sense of purpose and an avenue to channel his feelings and emotions in a positive, productive way.
Throughout his mental health recovery journey, Ben struggled with the fact that his power was always handed over to other people. By contrast, art is a world where he is in control. Art has helped Ben piece everything together and gain a solid understanding of himself.
Without art, he doubts he would have survived.