RMIT
Art for Social Change: Metropolis - A Map and a Mirror
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
About
Art for Social Change was a three-part series of participatory artworks at RMIT exploring social justice issues that impact the student experience on campus. Works included 1) the ‘Journey of Mapiyal by Indianna Hunt’, a platypus sculpture and immersive multimedia installation which provided creative, meaningful and reflective conversations about our journey towards solidarity and inclusion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and 2) ‘Blooming Now’ by Joanne Mott featuring 800 colourful 'hands' with personalised messages of resistance and strength, along with symbols of respect for women, female identifying and non-binary people.
The final chapter of series was Metropolis by RMIT alumna and wheelchair user Rachel Shugg, a 4.2-meter-long artwork exploring accessibility, allyship, and belonging through experiences of d/Deaf and Disabled students.
Developed over two years with 200+ students, the project began with Disabled students making full-body marks in a calico-lined room to express movement without barriers. The next stage involved all students navigating obstacles and an incomplete map, prompting new perspectives on accessibility. The final stage involved witnessing the artwork’s creation by a performer.
The resulting fabric piece and vinyl decal offer a visual and tactile narrative of interrupted journeys and hidden barriers in cities designed without diverse input. Celebrating collaboration, Metropolis challenges single-view accessibility approaches. Rachel emphasizes, “you can’t build a city from just one perspective.” Supported by the RMIT Student Union (RUSU) and the University, the project powerfully advocates for identity, equity, and inclusive design.
Top 3 learnings
- Lived experience is transformative: centring Deaf and Disabled voices builds belonging, connection, and shifts inclusion perspectives
- True accessibility is collective: inclusion requires holistic, interconnected design not isolated fixes to reduce barriers
- Art enables social change: participatory art fosters dialogue, visibility, and allyship beyond what words can express
| 2026 | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability | |
| Finalist, Australasia |
