Group Information

The Broughton Art Society Inc. (renamed in 1994) was founded in February 1965 by the late Ian Broughton as The Arts Society for The Handicapped. Ian, a young man in his early twenties with muscular dystrophy, was a resident at The Home for Incurables.

In 1966, painting and drawing classes began in The Ian Broughton Memorial Art Studio at Bedford Industries. In 1971, courtesy of The City of Unley, The Society relocated to the present studio in the historic tram barn at Parkside.

As a talented artist, Ian’s ambition was to provide South Australian people with a physical disability the opportunity to get together and discuss mutual problems, to hold exhibitions of members’ paintings and to establish a central workshop or studio to produce art work including greeting cards and calendars.

He also focused on obtaining transport for painting expeditions and to provide instructors and equipment for their members.

Although Ian died in October 1965, many of his goals have been achieved and the target group has expanded to include people with other disabilities.

The Society is now managed by a volunteer committee, who aim to continue Ian’s work by providing an excellent service for people with disabilities.