Artist Daniel Phillips' fascination with trains, travel and tunnels has produced artwork that is now hanging on the walls of the Ministry of Transport, on loan from Arts Access Aotearoa's Outside-In Gallery.

The Hon. Judith Tizard, Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and of Transport, was the keynote speaker at an event on 10 June to celebrate both the artist's achievement and the Ministry of Transport's support.Artist Daniel Phillips' fascination with trains, travel and tunnels has produced artwork that is now hanging on the walls of the Ministry of Transport, on loan from Arts Access Aotearoa's Outside-In Gallery.

The Hon. Judith Tizard, Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and of Transport, was the keynote speaker at an event on 10 June to celebrate both the artist's achievement and the Ministry of Transport's support.Phillips' work, two people are standing in front of the train number 8022, is one of more than 40 works by New Zealand Outsider Artists held in the Outside-In Gallery. Government agencies and private sector offices are invited to borrow these works for six months with an option to buy.

The Ministry of Transport is the first to take up this offer. It is also displaying several other works by Daniel Phillips, including Tranz Alpine, which was inspired by the artist's journey on the Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth in April this year.

Arts Access Aotearoa's Executive Director Marianne Taylor applauded the Ministry of Transport for borrowing the work. "The Outside-In Gallery is about providing opportunities for artists in the margins to promote and sell their work. It's also about encouraging a more tolerant, inclusive society where difference is celebrated."

Claire Johnstone, General Manager Corporate, Ministry of Transport, said the artist's passion for trains inspired him to create two people are standing in front of the train number 8022 for the Ministry of Transport.

"We're pleased to have this work on our walls and I hope it will be the first of many Outside-In Gallery works to be displayed here," she said. "As well as promoting the artist, this painting has raised awareness among staff about Outsider Artists and their contribution to a culturally diverse society.

"I encourage other organisations to borrow work from the Outside-In Gallery, and foster a vibrant and interesting work environment."

Daniel Phillips, who has autism, has been working as a full-time artist at Petone Arthouse for more than ten years. Set up in 1996 for IHC's IDEA Service users, the Petone Arthouse provides its artists with free materials, space to work and tutoring opportunities.

Along with his interest in transport and travel, Phillips also paints portraits, landscapes and murals. Craft workshops have helped him to develop skills in jewellery-making, ceramics, print-making and multi-media.

Liz Sutherland, Co-ordinator of Petone Arthouse, says the Arthouse provides a safe, supportive environment where people can express themselves through their art. It also provides opportunities for them to sell their work and participate in the community.

"By promoting Daniel's work, the Ministry of Transport is also highlighting the work of other artists with intellectual disabilities, and the community spaces and galleries that support them," she said.

A solo exhibition, based on Phillips' Tranz Alpine train journey, will open at the ROAR! Gallery in Wellington in August. Two of his works also feature on the cover of the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline, published by the Ministries of Health and Education in April 2008.

The Outside-In Gallery and an exhibition of the work were opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in December 2007. Work by Daniel Phillips and Vicki Dooley, both from the Petone Arthouse, is included in the Bowen House exhibition.

Arts Access Aotearoa receives major funding from Creative New Zealand, the Department of Corrections and Wellington City Council, as well as sponsorship from a number of philanthropic organisations.

18/06/08