Graceville calls for artists of all abilities

Toni Roselt “A big part of what we do is creating opportunities for people to build confidence, connect to community and participate in the community.”

Lutheran Services’ Graceville Centre is calling for local artists of all abilities to take part in its inclusive art festival in Nambour next month.

Program manager Toni Roselt told the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up that Graceville, based near the Sydney Street car park, provided mental health and disability support across the Sunshine Coast.

“A big part of what we do is creating opportunities for people to build confidence, connect to community and participate in the community,” she said.

Ms Roselt said the Graceville Art Festival would return in August and was open to local artists of all abilities.

“There’s no cost to put in art. Artists are welcome to sell their pieces and there’s no commission,” she said.

“It’s a truly inclusive event.”

The festival will be held at St Luke’s Church in Sydney Street, with the opening ceremony on August 13.

Ms Roselt said the centre was also seeking support from local businesses, including donations for a raffle prize or other support for the event. “Every little bit of support makes a difference,” she said.

Graceville will also sponsor the next Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up, to be held at St Luke’s Church on August 6, giving local businesses a chance to see the venue and learn more about the festival.

Ms Roselt said Graceville’s dialectical behaviour therapy group had also been nominated for the Above and Beyond Awards in the wellbeing provider category.

She said much of the group’s cost was covered internally by Lutheran Services fundraising, with participants making only a small contribution.

“We’ll probably talk a little bit more about that at the next chamber meeting,” she said.