Uniting Care Ballarat, Under the Floorboards

Everyone’s journey is different, A red carpet is rolled out for some.
Whilst others trod under the floorboards, Away from the lights and the sun…

UnitingCare Ballarat’s unique project, Under the Floorboards, welcomes Ballarat Artist Aldona Kmiec as the first artist-in-residence at the agency’s busy Outreach Centre in Dana Street from the 2nd of August 2012.

Aldona is an artist, traveler and photographer based in Ballarat.  She will undertake her artist residency across the agency and will produce 4 mosaic photographic portraits using selected staff and volunteers as the subjects.

Under the Floorboards is a collaborative project in which renowned Western District artists will create works based on their experiences at one of the diverse programs provided by UnitingCare Ballarat. Ballarat Uniting Care has a unique connection with so many parts of the local community and the project will offer an insight into its operations and an understanding of the individuals, communities, many services it provides and the people it assists.

Aldona said, “It is every artists dream to be able to change things for the better and create meaningful artwork.  I am passionate about my local community and new to Ballarat. I welcome the opportunity to explore community issues, preconceptions and misjudgments that exist in our society with the eye of an outsider.  I understand the seriousness of this project and feel great satisfaction that it is happening here in Ballarat”.

Aldona is a Polish-Australian photographer.  Previous work and awards include: Winner Honourable Mention – Fine Art category & Nominee in Silhouette category, International Black and White Spider Awards, finalist “My Migration” writing contest, Favoryta Publishing Australia, finalist AOP OPEN Awards London, and a BAF Ballarat Arts Foundation photography grant recipient .

At completion of the residencies a series of events beginning in October 2013 will be conducted to further raise awareness of the project and its results. At those events the residency artworks will be exhibited / performed, with resultant income from performances and associated auctions raised to support the work of UnitingCare Ballarat

The City of Ballarat Arts & Cultural Development is a project partner with UnitingCare Ballarat, extending opportunities for quality arts experiences to all members of the community and providing significant professional development opportunities to local & regional artists.

ABC Ballarat is the project media partner.

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