Bedford Art Exhibition set to take off at Adelaide Airport, Mount Gambier artists on show


Fifteen artists from Bedford’s Mount Gambier Learning and Experience Hub have created artwork for an exhibition now on show at Adelaide Airport.


Airline travellers from regional areas, together with thousands of interstate and overseas travellers will view “Through My Eyes – 80 Years of Opportunities”, with artworks located at Gates 14 and 26 of the airport.


The exhibition, which runs until the end of March, showcases the work of more than 30 artists with disability who attend one of seven Bedford Learning and Experiences hubs or work at a Bedford business.


Using a variety of creative techniques, the artists have reflected on what Bedford means to them, expressing the impact of having support and a choice to learn, connect and grow in their everyday life.


It’s the first of many events celebrating 80 years of Bedford in South Australia.


Bedford chief executive Myron Mann said the exhibition has created an important sense of connection and frien


dship, bringing together people from metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia through a shared love of art.


“Through artistic expression, artists have demonstrated their commitment to turning ambition into action, obstacles into opportunities and barriers into breakthroughs,” Mr Mann said.


“The exhibition acknowledges Bedford’s rich history and impact, and amplifies its purpose today, and bold vision for the future.


“We’re thrilled to kick off our 80-year celebrations with this art exhibition, which is one of many examples of how Bedford continues to innovate and spearhead major sector change, offering choice and opportunity to build skills and connection for people living with disability.”


Local artists from the Mount Gambier Learning and Experiences hub came together to create a piece titled ‘Where we all come together’.


Artist and Learning Hub client Shaun said he enjoyed the opportunity to create the artworks.


“It was really good to work together as a team to complete the art,” he said.


“The art helped me express that Bedford is the coolest and perfect place to come together.”


Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox welcomed the collaboration.


“Bedford is such a wonderful and iconic organisation supporting South Australians with disabilities for so many years, and we were excited to offer space in our main terminal for this fantastic exhibition,” he said.


“The timing is also perfect as we both celebrate significant milestones with Bedford reaching 80 years and Adelaide Airport marking 70 years of operation in 2025.”


Bedford’s seven Learning and Experiences hubs are located at Panorama and Torrensville in Adelaide, and in Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Wallaroo and Mount Gambier.


The hubs support more than 400 people living with disability to live the life they choose by offering opportunities to expand knowledge, develop new skills, and connect with others in enjoyable and meaningful ways.