Bedford is launching 80 years in South Australia with an art exhibition at Adelaide Airport, showcasing pieces created by local artists with disability from across the state.
Thousands of interstate and overseas travellers will view “Through My Eyes – 80 Years of Opportunities”, with artworks located at Gates 14 and 26 of the airport.
Now on until end of March, the exhibition showcases the work of more than 30 artists who attend one of seven Bedford Learning and Experiences hubs or work at a Bedford business.
Using a variety of creative techniques, the artists have reflected on what Bedford means to them, expressing the impact of having support, a choice to learn, connect and grow in their everyday life.
Bedford CEO, Myron Mann said the exhibition has created an important sense of connection and friendship, bringing together people from metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia through a shared love of art.
"Through artistic expression, artists have demonstrated their commitment to turning ambition into action, obstacles into opportunities and barriers into breakthroughs,"
“The exhibition acknowledges Bedford’s rich history and impact, and amplifies its purpose today, and bold vision for the future.
“We’re thrilled to kick off our 80-year celebrations with this art exhibition, which is one of many examples of how Bedford continues to innovate and spearhead major sector change, offering choice and opportunity to build skills and connection for people living with disability.”
Artist William works at Bedford Elizabeth in the Packaging Team. “I chose to make something to look like a graffiti wall. The wall signifies the blockages that sometimes stands in the way of people with disabilities. Bedford is the family that helps me overcome that,” he said.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said: “Bedford is such a wonderful and iconic organisation supporting South Australians with disability for so many years, and we were excited to offer space in our main terminal for this fantastic exhibition. The timing is also perfect as we both celebrate significant milestones with Bedford reaching 80 years and Adelaide Airport marking 70 years of operation in 2025.”
Bedford’s seven Learning and Experiences hubs are located at Panorama and Torrensville in Adelaide, and in Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Wallaroo and Mount Gambier.
Programs support more than 400 people living with disability to live the life they choose by offering opportunities to expand knowledge, develop new skills, and connect with others in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
2025 marks 80 years of Bedford, and the halfway point in the organisation’s transformative Future Bedford Strategy, a $50 million, five-year investment plan to provide more contemporary and inclusive employment for the community through a sustainable operating model.