Tamworth Regional Gallery is one of four NSW regional galleries chosen to exhibit the award-winning exhibition sensorial from 13 February to 26 April.
Created by neurodivergent and disabled artists and those who work with them, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre’s groundbreaking exhibition has been touring since November 2025 and will be on display in the Tamworth Regional Gallery before continuing to its next venue.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Alison Bennett with Megan Beckwith, Liam Benson, Ramana Dienes-Browning, the Inspired by Art class led by Clare Delaney, and Katoomba Neurodiversity Hub led by Amy Bell, Bailee Lobb, Prue Stevenson, and Hannah Surtees.
sensorial invites audiences to touch, listen, and immerse themselves in the artworks, challenging the traditional gallery experience where works are typically observed from a distance.
Leading the challenge is curator Rilka Oakley, who aims to collapse the boundaries between art and audience.
“Many of the artists involved in the exhibition spoke about their desire to imagine new forms of space, to build community, and to create supportive and joyous environments for disabled audiences,” she said.
“Their hopes and intentions for their work resonated deeply with me: as a multiply disabled wheelchair user, I am keenly aware of the value of spaces like this.”
Visitors will also have opportunities to further engage with the exhibition through guided tours led by Rilka Oakley and artist Ramana Dienes-Browning, as well as a tactile tassel-making workshop facilitated by artist Liam Benson.
“This is an important exhibition that caters for our diverse community and provides opportunities to connect with our audiences in new and meaningful ways,” said Director, Tamworth Regional Gallery and Museums, Bridget Guthrie.
Originally supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW, sensorial has already been recognised with the Accessible Arts Award for Access at the 2024 IMAGinE Awards.
The tour is made possible with funding from Create NSW’s 2024/25 Regional Arts Touring Fund, which connects NSW creatives and cultural institutions, generates employment, and boosts cultural vibrancy across the state.
Opening alongside sensorial is Meraki – Lace made with Creativity, Passion and Love, inspired by the Janice Jones Lace Collection in Uralla. The exhibition blends immersive sound and projection with sculptural and wearable works by Australian and New Zealand artists and will be running until 12 April.
The lace makers who are showcasing centuries-old techniques include Mary Elizabeth Barron, Tina Fox, Maggie Hensel-Brown, Sylvia Piddington, Shirley Pygott, Megan Robinson, Rosemary Shepherd, Vicki Taylor, Jane Theau, and Lindy de Wijn.
The joint official opening was held on Friday 13 February.
For full exhibition and program details, visit the Tamworth Regional Gallery’s website.
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