Kirsty Collins

Kirsty took part in Sync Australia in 2022 and is a mixed media artist working with web and digital art alongside ceramics and sculpture.

“Participating in the Sync Leadership Workshop marked a significant turning point in my art practice.”

Through engaging with diverse voices from the disability community, I reaffirmed my core belief in the strength and potential of individuals with deafness and disabilities. The workshops expanded my understanding and emphasized the critical role of leadership in this area.

The “Sync effect” continues to inspire me with empathy and compassion, helping me navigate both setbacks and the demands of successes. I am joyfully committed to elevating disability voices within the mainstream art and design world and showcasing disability expertise and innovation because its powerful.

Post-Sync, the most challenging aspect for me, which I was able to explore through the program, was seeking out and collaborating with others with disabilities. Moving past my fear and working with blind and deafblind chefs, I gained profound insights into their perspectives, and we created beautiful things together. More collaborations are on the horizon. As a disability carer, I remain resilient, though not without challenges. I now make more space for myself, confidently setting boundaries and focusing on promoting mutual aid, deaf and disability pride. My family has also become more aware to my needs, and we are communicating and learning Auslan together every day. I’m thrilled about my upcoming projects.

I love seeing my world, the world that includes disabilities, reflected back to me in beautiful things.

Kirsty Collins

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