Turning Mobility is a project which is a fusion of the body and art. It is an interactive installation, to be mounted in Auckland early in 2003, which examines the effects of disability in a positive manner.

Through bringing together disabled artists in an exhibition that showcases their work, we hope to counter some of the negative preconceptions that disabled people can be subjected to and to encourage greater community acceptance of diversity.

The theme of the works will centre on creating an awareness of those with Òother abilitiesÓ. The exhibition will have an emphasis on re-education, and promoting a greater appreciation of those with other abilities in our community.

A large section of the event will be child-focused, and we will be inviting local school groups to tour through during the week. We hope to have a variety of activities for them to take part in, including competitions where they can simulate being disabled Ñ for example, a race to tie your shoelaces with one hand tied behind your back. Other interactivity will include such things as specially adjusted eyesight testing machines from local optometriststo simulate what visually impaired people have to live with, and viewing their works as they see them. Special prosthesis will also enable people to get the "feel" of having no arm, touching without feeling, etc.

Turning Mobility aims to bring our community closer together, both locally and globally. By supporting and showcasing the works of those ÒdisabledÓ artists in our community, we hope to show that they are in fact far from disabled.

Companies, institutions and individuals will be encouraged to purchase works and display them in their foyers or homes so that the showcasing lives on.

The money raised from this exhibition will be used to support those who are less fortunate in our global community. The emphasis will be on BaliÕs amputees, where losing a limb means losing a living, but in the event of any importation problems the focus will be moved closer to home, putting the proceeds into the arts andadvancing the cause of disabled artists.