Creative arts use of new & adaptive technology
Robert Petchell.
Robert Petchell is a freelance Composer & Musical Director based in Adelaide, who has worked on a number of major projects since 1993 in the area of creative arts by people with a disability. In recent years this work has included the exploration of new and adaptive technology through the 'TechArt Project' and the 'Somersault Project'. The paper presents an outline of these projects with a focus on specific participants who have used new and adaptive technologies to either enhance their quality of life through engaging in creative arts activity, or who have been able to continue their already established arts practice and skills despite their deteriorating health condition. The two projects present different models of process and outcomes, as well as the nature of disability involved. The TechArt Project, which occurred in 2 stages between November 2001 - July 2003, focused on the creation of an online gallery and e-group, a digital music group and digital image group. The Somersault project which commenced in September 2003 is aimed at creating an Installation that comes out of an Artistic Team of 3 Artists working with people with an Intellectual Disability and their carers.
The full paper can be downloaded in Microsoft Word and Plain Text formats.