For over 28 years, Leanne Dyer has dedicated her career to the disability sector, but it was a missing piece in her community that sparked something truly transformative.
“I saw that there wasn’t a professional art studio in our community for people with disability or who are neurodiverse,” she recalls. “That didn’t sit right with me.”
With the support of fellow artist and advocate Sarah McEwan, Leanne co-founded The Art Factory in 2016 as part of the Riverina Community College in Wagga Wagga. It became a vibrant, inclusive studio that gives artists with disability a place to create, grow and be celebrated as professionals.
a studio with soul
Leanne’s role as coordinator is anything but typical. From managing the day-to-day running of the studio, supporting exhibitions and connecting with local arts organisations, to guiding artists in building portfolios and sharing their work, her focus is on unlocking potential and opening doors.
“Every day is different,” she says. “But the constant is creating a space where artists are seen, heard and taken seriously.”
The Art Factory isn’t just about paint and paper. It’s about building confidence, identity and social connection. Through art, participants find their voice and their place in the wider arts community.
And the wider community is taking notice.
recognised and celbrated
In recent years, The Art Factory has grown into a celebrated part of the Riverina arts landscape. It was named Outstanding Community Organisation at the 2023 Business NSW Riverina Murray Regional Business Awards, earned the Excellence in Sustainability award at the 2024 Wagga Wagga Business Chamber Golden Crow Awards, and most recently took out the Excellence in Innovation award at the 2025 edition. It also saw its 'Artists in Residence' program take first place in the Community Campaign category at the Shopping Centre Council of Australia’s 2024 Marketing Awards.
It has also been named a finalist across several other prestigious awards, recognising both its artistic excellence and its deep community impact.
from shy beginnings to bold exhibitions
“There are so many success stories,” Leanne smiles. “But one of the most rewarding things is seeing someone who once felt unsure now stand proudly beside their work, explaining it to an audience with confidence.”
The Art Factory artists don’t just create. They exhibit, speak, sell and inspire. With every gallery showing or piece sold, they’re redefining what it means to be a professional artist.
“They’re doing what any artist should be able to do,” Leanne says. “And I’m here to make sure they get the recognition and respect they deserve.”
a creative community
At the heart of The Art Factory is community.
“Art is the tool we use, but connection is the result,” Leanne explains.
Artists collaborate, offer feedback, learn how to speak about and price their art, and support one another. They grow both creatively and socially. The studio is a place to experiment, take creative risks and find a personal style, all in a welcoming, supportive environment.
And now, that community is growing even further, with a dedicated new studio recently opened in Albury, expanding The Art Factory’s reach and impact.
looking forward with purpose
With group exhibitions and partnerships on the horizon, Leanne’s vision for the future is bold and inclusive.
“I want The Art Factory to be more than a studio. I want it to spark change,” she says. “I want schools, councils and arts groups to see what inclusion really looks like and the value of different perspectives.”
Her hopes are grounded in purpose: to keep creating opportunities, fostering pride and growing a community where every artist belongs.
As Leanne puts it, “If we can keep doing that, we’re definitely on the right track.”
want to see more or follow their journey?
Visit theartfactorysupportedstudio.com or follow The Art Factory on Facebook and Instagram.
