Editorial October 21 2016

The images, taken by Illawarra Mercury photographer Adam McLean, capture a wonderful moment.

Gracie and her mum were photographed at the sensory-focused film installation at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, the Blue Rose project.

A collaboration between Beyond Empathy and the Merrigong Theatre Company, the Blue Rose project explores the experience of those who use non-verbal communication to interact with the world.

People like Gracie.

‘’The Blue Rose project was primarily a film project looking at the world through the eyes of people with disabilities,’’ Mrs Wallis said.

‘’However some of those involved couldn’t experience film the way many of us do, like Gracie who has cortical vision impairment. By making it an interactive installation she gets to see her film in a way she can comprehend. 

‘’Her favourite installation was in the cocoon where the pictures of her were projected on the netting.’’

Merrigong Theatre Company artistic development manager Leland Kean said it offered people a unique way to look at film.

‘’We have a real commitment to working with people with intellectual and physical disabilities, and this was a unique opportunity to use our spaces in a very different way for the community,’’ he said.

Visitors can enjoy the interactive experience which will again be on at IPAC on Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

On Friday night, Illawarra business will celebrate its night of nights.

Hundreds of people will be attending the WIN Entertainment Centre to see who is this year’s winners of the IMB Illawarra Business Awards.

For months now entries have been gathered, finalists chosen and interviewed.

Tonight will see the winners of the various categories announced plus an overall Illawarra Business of the Year winner.

Many of the category winners will go on to compete int he NSW Business Awards later in the year.

You can follow the progress of the night via illawarramercury.com.au and join the conversation on social media using the #IBA_ 2016 hashtag.