Paul Constable Calcott: A Wiradjuri Artist Championing Inclusion

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Paul Constable Calcott, a Wiradjuri artist who helps run the NuunaRon Art Group on the sunshine coast, an inclusive and safe space for people to share stories of resilience and keeping strong via yarning, painting and creating art. (Credit: Paul Calcott/Supllied)

Paul Constable Calcott, or Uncle Paul, a proud Wiradjuri man and artist, reflects on his life's journey from a childhood impacted by polio to becoming a UN delegate advocating for Indigenous artists with disabilities. Through his involvement in the NuunaRon Art Group, Uncle Paul continues to create safe spaces for storytelling and cultural expression, helping others to find their voices through art.


Uncle Paul started the yarn in his quiet yet creative studio, where he calls a "happy space", describing the place where he paints and connects with his community. Here, art is more than just a passion; it's a bridge to culture, healing, and connection.

Growing up, Uncle Paul contracted polio and faced isolation at school, but these experiences shaped his strength, skills and ultimately, his art. It wasn’t until his 50th birthday, when his partner gifted him a set of paints, that Uncle Paul reignited his passion for painting. Since then, his work has become a tribute to his father, culture, and the stories of resilience within his community.

And, every time I paint, I try to honour my father and my culture and, my connection. And it's my way of showing our culture is alive and strong and our stories are still continuing. And that's just a beautiful thing as you've described it as well.
Paul Constant Calcott
Uncle Paul is also deeply involved with the NuunaRon Art Group, named after two influential artists, Noona and Uncle Ron, who have since passed. The group brings together Indigenous artists with disabilities, creating a space for them to connect, share their stories, and support one another through art.

I remember our first art exhibition was quite flash. It was a big resort up here on the sunny coast. And I remember seeing some artists that were pretty socially isolated before the group. They live with disability or mental health issues. And to turn up on opening night, dressed up, looking so flash, so glamorous.
In 2017, Uncle Paul found himself in New York as a delegate at the United Nations, where he spoke on LGBTIQ+ First Nations people living with disabilities. True to his artistic nature, he used a painting as his presentation. His artwork was displayed on the UN’s big screen as he shared his story, creating a powerful and unique representation of human rights.

Uncle Paul has continued to represent his community on the global stage, always working to ensure that Indigenous people with disabilities have a voice. Through his art exhibitions and presentations, he showcases the resilience, strength, and spirit of his community.

In June 2024, he once again attended the United Nations Headquarters in New York as an Indigenous Australian delegate, to present artworks for the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Speak My Language (Disability) program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework. It is proudly led by ECCNSW and the primary national Partners are ECCV, ECCQ, MCCSA, MCNT, MCOT, ECCWA, and our national broadcasting Partners SBS.

Podcast Tile Artwork: Paul Constable Calcott

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