This report captures the evaluation approach and results from a year-long multi-partnered project and exhibition, called HERE&NOW13, aimed at developing artistic skills and enhancing the social inclusion of artists with disability in efforts to elevate contemporary disability arts practice in Western Australia. 

The project was made possible through a partnership between DADAA, the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at The University of Western Australia, the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Disability Services Commission. The HERE&NOW13 exhibition was held as part of the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery's annual exhibition of Western Australian artists. 

The key aim of this evaluation was to investigate the processes and impacts of HERE&NOW13, and to generate a model that explains how the participants (including curator, mentees, mentors and partner organisations) experience the program. 

Evaluation activities included three research approaches: 

• A process evaluation capturing reach, completeness and fidelity of the project 
• An impact evaluation capturing the benefits and success of the mentoring partnerships 
• A collective case study of five mentorships. 

After a significant literature review was completed, data was collected through online surveys and in-person interviews with participants, mentors and partner organisations. 

Key findings included the following: 

• The seven-stage process that was established for HERE&NOW13 staff, mentors and mentee recruitment and development was, in and of itself, seen to be a successful model of design. 
• Results from the process evaluation revealed that there were particularly beneficial characteristics of project design: using an organisational–individual mentoring model; showcasing works at a high-profile contemporary gallery; and using a robust partnership model that opened up networks to artists and their mentors. 
• Results from the impact evaluation showed that the three most important activities for the eleven participating mentees were: learning new art forms and skills; meeting new people, including other artists; and developing relationships with people, including other artists. 
• The most noted benefits for the mentees were: enjoyment, working with new and high-quality materials, pride, increased motivation and inspiration, increased confidence and sense of purpose, working more independently, becoming more aware of their potential as a professional artist, accessing new networks and relationships, and having a higher profile as an artist. 

This report is funded with assistance from a funding grant offered under the National Disability Research and Development Agenda, jointly implemented by disability representatives from Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.