Some of the photos part of the Kaleidoscope exhibition. Photos: Supplied.
Through an explosion of colour and powerful messaging, Celebrate T21 is launching its annual photographic book and exhibition, Kaleidoscope, emphasising how “our differences create a perfect tapestry of abilities”.
To be launched on Sunday 13 April at Project Contemporary Artspace in Wollongong as part of a family day celebration, the book brings together more than 90 families and 50 photographers from across Australia to capture the unique experiences of people with Trisomy 21, better known as Down syndrome.
It has also helped shape the Kaleidoscope exhibition curated by Celebrate T21 founder Stephanie Rodden and designer Alexis Greenwood in the artspace, which runs until Sunday.
Stephanie said like the ever-shifting beauty of a kaleidoscope, the exhibition reflected the richness and vibrancy of life with Down syndrome – each story and portrait capturing the unique strengths, joy, and humanity of the people and families part of the Celebrate T21 community.
“Kaleidoscope is more than a book – it’s a movement,” Stephanie said.
“Like a kaleidoscope, our differences create a perfect tapestry of abilities, reflecting the uniqueness of each individual in vibrant harmony.
“Through storytelling, art, and heartfelt connection, we’re continuing to change perceptions and build a more inclusive world.”
She said the theme of kaleidoscope had inspired a range of coloured T-shirts with punchy slogans, from the cheeky “Fluent in side eye” to the more heartfelt “True strength is measured by heart, not ability”.
“We’ve got a wall in the gallery that is all in black with black frames and black backgrounds with this pop of wording and colour,” she said.
“Then our cover image this year was all beautiful, bright colours and all the adults and children in colourful clothing.”
She said typically one colour scheme was chosen for the book, with last year featuring neutrals.
“This year we’ve gone with an explosion of colour, fun and festivity, which has set the tone really nicely for everybody involved,” she said.
Stephanie said the project had changed since its inception, when she’d simply put a call out through social media photography groups for images for the first book, to now having photographers and families around Australia who contributed photos each year.
“We’ve been lucky we’ve had some photographers that have been with us since the first book and still volunteer to do sessions for new families or they’ve followed the same family along their journey,” she said.
This year, the exhibition is running alongside workshops designed to empower educators about inclusive classrooms, an industry professionals breakfast, student tours, a community gathering, and a free Create and Sip event led by Rachel Young who has Down syndrome, and her mentor, Illawarra artist Amy Cuneo.
The finale, Sunday’s family fun day, will include song and dance performances, a cupcake demonstration, short film screening and the official launch of the book Kaleidoscope.
To date, Celebrate T21 has distributed more than 6500 books and 600 gift packs to families, educators, and health professionals, offering representation, hope and reassurance during what can be an uncertain time following a Down syndrome diagnosis.
“We believe in a world where no family feels isolated, unsupported, or pressured to terminate a pregnancy based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome,” Stephanie said.
“Kaleidoscope is a celebration of life, of community, and of what it means to be beautifully human.”
Kaleidoscope exhibition is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 to 12 April; Sip and Create will be held Friday 11 April from 6:30 to 8:30 pm; and the T21 official book launch and family day celebration will be held Sunday 13 April from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. All events are held at Project Contemporary Artspace at 255 Keira St, Wollongong.
