Capturing Inclusion: Photography Mentorship Program for Young People with Disability_T4_2026

Proudly supported by our program partner, Desert Light Foundation, this unique photography training and mentoring program at Stirling Street Arts Centre creates accessible opportunities for young people with disability aged 18-24 to develop creative skills, build confidence, and participate in the arts.

Celebrate creativity, connection, and inclusion through photography while learning alongside professional photographer Bianca Turri. This hands-on program provides participants with the opportunity to learn practical event photography skills, access professional photography equipment, and gain real-world experience documenting Stirling Street Arts Centre's Art in the Garden community event.

Designed as a small-group learning experience, the program offers expert guidance, personalised mentoring, and a supportive environment where creativity and confidence can flourish.

Over Four Engaging Workshops, Participants Will:

• Learn the fundamentals of event photography
• Develop camera handling and composition skills
• Explore visual storytelling techniques
• Receive personalised mentoring and feedback
• Build confidence using professional photography equipment
• Prepare for photographing a live community event

Participants will then put their new skills into practice by contributing to the photography of Stirling Street Arts Centre's Art in the Garden on Saturday 29 November, capturing the energy, creativity, and community spirit of this special celebration.

More than a photography course, this program creates pathways for skill development, social connection, and meaningful participation in the arts. Participants will gain valuable experience, create portfolio-ready images, and contribute to a major community event while sharing their unique perspective through photography.

What You'll Gain

• Practical event photography skills
• Experience using professional camera equipment generously supplied during workshops and event by Dessert Light Foundation
• Direct mentoring from professional photographer 
• Real-world event photography experience
• Portfolio-quality images
• Increased confidence, creativity, and community connection

Program Details

Location: Stirling Street Arts Centre

Workshop Dates & Times

All workshops will be held at Stirling Street Arts Centre. Sessions will run for up to 1.5 hours and may be adapted to support individual participant needs and accessibility requirements.

• Wednesday 4 November, 10:00am  up to11:30am
• Wednesday 11 November, 10:00am up to 11:30am
• Wednesday 18 November, 10:00am up to 11:30am
• Wednesday 25 November, 10:00am up to 11:30am

Event Participation - Stirling Street Arts Centre Art in the Garden Sunday 29 November

As part of the program, participants will contribute to the event photography of Art in the Garden. During the workshop series, Bianca  will work with participants to develop an event photography plan and provide a photography run sheet outlining individual photography time slots and coverage areas.This approach ensures that every participant gains valuable hands-on experience photographing a live community event while contributing to the event's visual storytelling.

Cost
$270 per participant. Thanks to the generous support of Desert Light Foundation, this program is heavily subsidised to ensure it remains accessible for young people with disability. The participant contribution equates to just $67.50 per workshop, plus the invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience photographing a live community event.

Places are limited to six participants, ensuring every participant receives personalised mentoring, support, and feedback throughout the program.

About the Facilitator/s
A multi‑award‑winning Master Photographer, Bianca thrives on creative challenge, constantly pushing her skills so participants can expect fresh ideas, inspiring techniques, and a workshop experience that feels both supportive and exciting. Her passion for sharing knowledge shines through in every session, making her an engaging guide for photographers of all levels.

The Desert Light Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides access, engagement, and mentoring in photography to disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, supporting their well-being and equipping them for future opportunities. Through the medium of photography, our mission is to foster creative capacity, promote inclusion and community connection, and support personal and professional growth.

Commitment to Inclusion:
Stirling Street Arts Centre is committed to making our workshops welcoming and accessible for everyone. If you would like to share information about your access needs, please contact us at programs@stirlingstreetarts.com.au at least one week before the workshop. This helps us ensure we can provide appropriate support and create an environment where all participants feel comfortable, included, and able to fully enjoy the experience.

Please read all Terms and Conditions before booking this workshop.

Bring your own lunch (if all-day workshop) and water or drinks. Tea and coffee making facilities are available. A fridge and microwave are available on site for use during workshop. We are conveniently located across from Centrepoint if you need to purchase your lunch or snacks.