Must be rich to apply

Must Be Rich to Apply confronts the intersection between disability experience and poverty. This correlation of experiences faced by the disabled/chronically ill community is not often discussed or addressed, typically because it is associated with stigma and shame. There have been times throughout my life when I've had to choose between food and medications, cancelled doctors' appointments because of the expense or been let go from jobs because of my disability. Many non-disabled people believe that just because there is limited government support, it is enough to protect people, but it's not. This conversation is very complex, and there are so many layers of financial burden that the disabled community faces. Differing sentiments are embedded in a well-established icon of wealth: the piggy bank. They emphasise the growing gap between societies' lack of empathy and care and the reality of disability experience. But the accurate statistics are that about 3 million people in Australia live in poverty, and around 40% have a disability. Productivity doesn't equal worth, and accessing social security pathways doesn't mean you're a burden! This should never be met with shame! Feeling safe and secure leads to better health outcomes.

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This artwork was exhibited at Granville Centre Art Gallery for their group textiles show: A link, a loop, a circle. 

 

Medium: Cotton, polyester, velvet, feathers, rope, interfacing, glitter, thread, polyester batting. 

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