NDS
NDS Reconciliation Action Plan Artwork
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Closes: 13 August 2026
National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak body for non-government disability service organisations and the country's largest and most diverse network of disability service providers.
Established in 1945, NDS has been supporting and representing the disability sector for more than 80 years. Today, NDS represents and supports a diverse membership of providers that deliver services and supports to people with disability across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities. Our members collectively operate several thousand services, support more than 300,000 Australians with disability, and employ a workforce of more than 100,000 people.
NDS operates nationally, working in partnership with our members, governments and stakeholders to influence and strengthen the disability sector and improve outcomes for people with disability. We provide policy leadership, advocacy, workforce development and practical resources to support high-quality, sustainable and inclusive services.
Our vision is for an inclusive Australia, and our purpose is to support and champion organisations that deliver high-quality, sustainable services for people with disability. As Australia's peak body for disability service providers, this includes helping shape a disability sector that is culturally safe, responsive and inclusive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
NDS is currently developing its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which marks an important step in our commitment to reconciliation. Through our RAP, we seek to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, build cultural capability, and contribute to a disability sector where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability are respected, heard and empowered.
As a national peak body, we recognise our responsibility not only to strengthen our own organisational capability, but also to use our influence, leadership and advocacy to support positive change across the disability sector and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Australia for all.
The project
We seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist to create a unique artwork for National Disability Services (NDS) that reflects our vision for an inclusive Australia and celebrates the diverse people, communities and cultures that make up Australia's disability sector.
The artwork will represent NDS's ongoing commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and social justice, while reflecting our national footprint, leadership role and influence across the disability sector. It should capture both who we are as an organisation and our aspirations for the future, including our commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and helping shape a more culturally safe, equitable and inclusive Australia.
The selected artist will work collaboratively with NDS representatives, including members of the RAP Committee and senior leaders, to explore themes and develop the artwork. The artwork may be created in any medium; however, it will be digitally adapted for use across NDS's Reconciliation Action Plan and related materials.
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists living and working in Australia. We welcome applications from artists at all stages of their careers, including emerging, mid-career and established artists. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
The selected artist will provide:
One original artwork
A written artist story explaining the story
A current artist biography.
Artist Engagement
The selected artist will also be required to participate in:
One online creative workshop with NDS representatives, including members of the RAP Committee and senior leaders
One online presentation meeting to present the completed artwork and share the story behind the artwork with NDS representatives, including members of the RAP Committee and senior leaders
This collaborative process will help ensure the artwork authentically reflects NDS's values, reconciliation journey, national reach and commitment to inclusion.
Artist fee
The artist fee is $2,000 (+ GST if applicable)
This fee covers the artwork, written story, artist biography and attendance at the online workshop and presentation meeting.
Timing
The artwork will be developed during August and early September 2026. Exact workshop, presentation and delivery dates will be confirmed with the selected artist.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please share some samples of your previous work, along with your personal contact details in the form on this page.
For any questions, please email kevin@nani.com.au.