Vincent Gerard Wolters remembers the moment his dreams of being a professional musician were initially crushed.
“As a young man, I was being trained to be an opera singer, but life was interrupted by the onset of my disability, which was very profoundly disabling,” Wolters said.
“And basically, it destroyed my chances of being a professional singer.”
Despite his diagnosis, Mr Wolters was determined that music would continue to be a big part of his life.
“The only respite I got from my horrible disease was to pick up my guitar and sing and then the symptoms would stop.”
Vincent Worlters didn’t realize his love for acting until he joined a theater group for people with disabilities. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
A new inclusive arts program on the NSW North Coast has now given Mr Wolters the chance to live out his dreams on stage.
The Wauchope Regional Art Programme, also known as WRAP, is designed to help artists with disabilities develop their confidence and skills. It connects them with professional artists so they can participate in the mainstream industry.
Mr Wolters joined WRAP’s drama class, along with Steph Smith and Kirsty Georges.
“The acceptance is really very beautiful,” he said.
“Groups like this give me a chance, while nothing else will.”
The WRAP theater group rehearsed for weeks with mentor Ian Castle. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
The trio is led by singer and musician Ian Castle.
“It’s this collaborative effort that builds on their strengths as individuals and I inspire them to try other things myself,” Castle said.
The theater group performed on stage at a popular art festival in the region called ArtWalk in front of a crowd of spectators.
It was a dream come true for the tight-knit team.
“When the audience gets behind you, your whole performance is totally elevated to a whole new level,” Wolters said.
“You can see it in their faces, or the cheers and applause. It’s really uplifting.”
WRAP groups performed at Port Macquarie’s ArtWalk event, which attracts thousands of spectators. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
Kirsty Georges said her parents and family were “thrilled” by the show and her performance.
“I feel it inside my chest. I feel happy,” he said.
And it’s not just stage performers who have thrived in the inclusive program.
Artists celebrate inclusion
Creating visual art has always been a source of joy for Kerri Cains, but because of her intellectual disability, she often found it difficult to take herself seriously.
“I’ve always struggled with reading, writing and math skills,” Ms Cains said.
“But it’s always been a passion of mine to make art.”
Kerri Cains is excited to display her artwork in a local gallery. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
Ms Cains said she was delighted to be involved in Wauchope’s regional art program and its workshops.
“Sometimes it’s hard to find such inclusive places,” Ms Cains said.
“In this art class, in particular, we don’t feel like we’re taking sides…they’re real artists who teach you how to do it and treat you like anyone else would.”
Graphic designer and mentor Michele Kaye worked with Kerri Cains to develop the WRAP logo. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
Thanks to WRAP, Ms Cains’ work has been shown front and center at the Wauchope Art Gallery as part of the ArtWalk event.
“I can show my family and my friends and everyone in town will see my artwork,” he said.
“It’s good to see disability and the arts coming together in such an amazing way.”
Ms. Cains was mentored and mentored by graphic designer Michele Kaye.
“It’s beautiful, it’s humbling, it’s real, it’s life. It’s what everyone should see every day,” Ms Kaye said.
Michele Kaye says she loved every moment of being mentored by Kerri Cains. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
The skills of the artists soar
WRAP was established by the Wauchope Community Arts Council, through an NDIS Information, Liaison and Capacity Building grant.
Project co-ordinator Vicky Mackey said WRAP was started because of a lack of similar services on the North Central Coast.
“Even though we have a very busy arts community, they weren’t connecting with people with disabilities,” she said.
“Disabled artists were segregated.”
Steph Smith, a member of the WRAP theater group, performed a solo show on stage. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
Ms Mackey said it was great the group had its first main platform at ArtWalk.
“It’s the first time many of them have to perform in public,” he said.
“Their confidence growth and the way they hold themselves, the ability to communicate with strangers, has skyrocketed.”
WRAP project coordinator Vicky Mackey was inspired by her own daughter’s disability. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)
Ms Mackey said she was inspired by her own daughter who has a disability.
“I’m always trying to have the best for her, living the best life I can, and that’s what it’s all about: giving these guys a chance,” he said.
“In art, it’s not about being perfect or the best. It’s about the passion and joy that the person can show in their artwork or in their dance.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect and that’s great: life isn’t perfect.”
WRAP’s performances drew a large crowd to Port Macquarie’s ArtWalk event. (ABC Mid North Coast: Madeleine Cross)