Self-expression fostered through Goulburn Options’ GO Art program

Creativity is at the heart of the GO Art program, which provides participants with endless opportunities to express themselves.

With an office right beside the GO Art gallery, Goulburn Options Outcomes Team Leader Grace Coppinger is witness to all of the wonderful impacts the program has on clients.

“They create these beautiful works that express their inner worlds that are just amazing to look at,” Ms Coppinger said.

“A lot of our artists are nonverbal, and the creativity of the art program allows them to express themselves in a way that they may not be able to otherwise.”

Each day is different for GO Art participants.

Whether it’s slow and quiet, which Ms Coppinger said allows participants a space to just be calm and reflect and do their artwork.

Or whether it’s loud, crowded and exciting.

The program is all for inspiring participants to create and show the world a part of themselves which they may not otherwise be able to convey.

“It’s about making those connections, and experimenting and being able to express yourself,” Ms Coppinger said.

Not only does the program offer vital opportunities for self-expression, but clients are also able to get involved within the artistic side of the community.

GO Art has partnerships with the Seymour and District Art Society, who sometimes offer weekend workshops, and the Heart of the Mitchell exhibition.

The program can also help clients foster connections, which can lead them further into the industry, with some participants receiving opportunities to be managed by Loom Arts and Management, a disability-focused arts management service.

Last year, a few of the GO Art participants were able to put on their own exhibitions, with one artist having sold every single piece that was on show.

In December, the GO Artists were provided the opportunity to design the Christmas trees displayed on Station St, spending all of November painting between 20 and 30 trees to spread festive joy .

The participants involved in the program find enjoyment in how it simultaneously promotes connection and creativity.

Tahlia Butcher, who is currently working on sketches and ideas for her next canvas idea, loves the space GO Art provides.

“I love that you come in here, and it’s very bright and colourful, very vibrant,” Ms Butcher said.

“When we’re in here, our ideas pop.”

Samantha, who has recently finished a beautiful insect artwork, said that to be able to create with others is what draws her to the program.

Kim Oakley’s favourite aspects are the friendships she’s made, her teachers, and the access to bright colours, which are provided by Goulburn Options.

Alongside GO Art, Goulburn Options provides programs such as GO Literacy, which works on various communication skills, GO Music, which involves singing and dancing, GO Cooking, where cooks will learn a new recipe each week, and many more.

Goulburn Options runs its programs from Monday to Friday, 9am until 3pm, but Ms Coppinger said the organisation itself operates 24/7, offering support out of client’s homes, help with transportation, and any other assistance clients require.

“We’re constantly at work, it’s very busy here, but it’s really dynamic,” Ms Coppinger said.

“We’re a not-for-profit and a registered charity as well, and we’ve been in the community for over 40 years.”

Go Arts plans for 2025:

To find out more about the programs offered, or what other services Goulburn Options provides, head to www.goinc.org.au