Leah Justyce Art Mentoring Programs | NDIS-Aligned Creative Skill Development

Absolutely — here’s a polished, emotionally resonant and SEO-friendly blog post draft for you:

Empowering Artists with Disabilities: How Leah Justyce Art Gallery Is Redefining Inclusion in the Arts Industry

The arts industry has long celebrated creativity, expression, and individuality — yet, for too long, people with disabilities have been overlooked or underestimated within this space. Barriers such as lack of accessibility, limited representation, and inadequate training opportunities have prevented many talented individuals from pursuing meaningful creative careers.

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard and every story deserves to be seen. That’s why we’ve created our Art Mentor Programs, designed to empower people with disabilities to develop the confidence, skills, and professional experience needed to thrive in the arts industry.

Breaking Down Barriers in the Arts

For many people with disabilities, art is more than just a form of self-expression — it’s a way to communicate, connect, and challenge perceptions. Yet, despite their incredible creativity, many still face systemic barriers to education, employment, and visibility within the industry.

Our mission is to change that narrative. Through our mentor programs, we connect participants with professional artists who guide them through skill-building, portfolio development, and creative exploration. Each program is designed to nurture both artistic growth and practical knowledge — from the foundations of painting and photography to advanced art business skills.

Learning from Professional Artists

Our mentors are more than teachers; they are working artists who understand what it takes to build a sustainable career in the arts. They offer genuine insight into the industry — helping participants learn how to price their work, develop an online presence, exhibit their art, and even explore unique creative paths like circus performance, storytelling through fine art photography, or digital illustration.

These programs are not therapy. They are about education, empowerment, and opportunity — giving participants the tools to take charge of their own artistic futures.

Creating Space for Every Story

Everyone has a story to tell, and art gives that story power. Whether it’s a photography series that captures the lived experience of disability, or a painting that expresses freedom and resilience, our participants are using art to shape conversations and shift perspectives.

By supporting artists with disabilities, we’re not only helping them gain skills and confidence — we’re enriching the entire arts community with diverse perspectives, innovation, and authenticity.

A Step Toward Inclusive Employment in the Arts

Leah Justyce Art Gallery is proud to lead a movement where inclusivity is not a checkbox, but a core value. We see ability, not limitation. Through our programs, we aim to bridge the gap between creativity and career, helping artists with disabilities move from learning to earning — and eventually, to leading in their field.

Whether someone dreams of becoming a professional photographer, visual artist, or circus performer, our programs provide the guidance, mentorship, and structure to make that dream a reality.

Join the Movement

We invite families, support coordinators, and NDIS participants to discover the opportunities available through the Leah Justyce Art Gallery Mentor Programs. Together, we can redefine what inclusion in the arts truly means — one creative journey at a time.

👉 Learn more about our Art Mentor Programs and how to get involved [link to your page].

Would you like me to make this more formal and SEO-optimized for your website (with keyword phrases like NDIS art programs, art mentoring for people with disabilities, etc.) or keep it in this emotionally engaging, storytelling tone for a blog audience?

Of course — here’s an SEO-friendly meta title and description tailored for that blog post:

Meta Title:
Empowering Artists with Disabilities | Leah Justyce Art Gallery Mentor Programs

Meta Description:
Leah Justyce Art Gallery is redefining inclusion in the arts through professional mentor programs for people with disabilities. Build creative skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the arts — from fine art photography to circus performance.

Would you like me to also include a few SEO keyword suggestions (for example: NDIS art programs, disability arts mentoring Australia, etc.) to add to your blog tags and backend SEO fields?

Absolutely — here’s a blog post written in your warm, inclusive, and empowering brand voice, based on everything we’ve discussed about your Art Mentor Programs and how they differ from art therapy.

What Makes Leah Justyce Art Gallery’s Art Mentor Programs Different from Art Therapy

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we believe art has the power to transform lives — not through therapy, but through education, empowerment, and opportunity. Our Art Mentor Programs were created to help people with disabilities develop real-world creative skills, build confidence, and gain pathways to employment in the arts industry.

While art therapy and art mentoring both use creativity as a tool for growth, their goals and outcomes are very different. Here’s how.

🎨 Art Mentoring is About Building Skills and Careers

Art mentoring focuses on learning, creating, and growing professionally. Participants are guided by professional working artists who teach artistic techniques, business knowledge, and creative processes.

Our mentors share the lessons they’ve learned from years in the art world — how to price and sell artwork, how to market it online, how to find your own artistic style, and how to develop the discipline it takes to turn creativity into a sustainable career.

Each session is structured around skill development and personal growth, not therapy outcomes. Participants leave with something tangible: new techniques, finished pieces, and a stronger sense of identity as an artist.

💬 Art Therapy Focuses on Emotional Healing

Art therapy, on the other hand, is a clinical practice facilitated by a trained therapist. It uses art as a tool to process emotions, manage trauma, or support mental health goals.

While art therapy can be incredibly valuable, it’s not what our programs offer. We’re not counsellors — we’re artists. Our purpose is to mentor, inspire, and equip participants with the creative and professional tools they need to succeed in the arts.

🌟 Empowerment Over Treatment

The foundation of our Art Mentor Programs is empowerment. We believe people with disabilities should have the same access to education, training, and employment opportunities as anyone else — especially within the arts.

Our sessions are built to encourage independence, confidence, and self-expression. We focus on helping participants find their own voice and vision, whether that means becoming a professional painter, a circus performer, a fine art photographer, or an illustrator whose work tells powerful stories about their life experiences.

🤝 Mentors Who Understand and Inspire

Each mentor in the Leah Justyce Art Gallery team is a professional artist in their field — not a therapist. They know the realities of the industry and how to navigate them.

This real-world experience is what makes our program so unique. Mentors teach not only how to create, but how to think like an artist, build a portfolio, and even find opportunities to exhibit or sell their work. It’s about opening doors and creating futures.

🌈 A Pathway, Not a Program

For many participants, our art mentoring sessions are the first step toward something bigger — independence, employment, or creative entrepreneurship. We see potential in every participant and work to nurture that potential with patience, encouragement, and guidance.

By giving people with disabilities access to high-level artistic mentorship, we’re creating a ripple effect — empowering individuals to contribute their creativity, perspectives, and talent to the broader arts community.

💫 In Summary: Art Mentoring vs. Art Therapy

✨ Redefining What’s Possible

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we’re not providing therapy — we’re creating opportunity. Our Art Mentor Programs are redefining what inclusion in the arts truly means by giving people with disabilities the skills, confidence, and belief that their creativity matters.

Because when people are empowered to create, they don’t just make art — they make change.

👉 Learn more about our Art Mentor Programs and how to get involved [insert your program page link].

Meta Title:
Art Mentoring vs Art Therapy | Leah Justyce Art Gallery Mentor Programs

Meta Description:
Discover how Leah Justyce Art Gallery’s Art Mentor Programs differ from art therapy. Our professional artist mentors empower people with disabilities to build creative skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the arts industry.

Would you like me to make a shorter version of this (around 300–400 words) for a website page or news article, keeping this one as the long-form blog post?

Absolutely — here’s the revised version with ideal SEO length:

Meta Title (68 characters):
Art Mentoring vs Art Therapy | Leah Justyce Art Gallery

Meta Description (157 characters):
Learn how Leah Justyce Art Gallery’s Art Mentor Programs empower people with disabilities through skills, confidence, and real opportunities in the arts.

Would you like me to add a few SEO keyword tags too (for backend/blog tags like NDIS art mentoring, disability art programs, inclusive arts Australia, etc.)?

Of course! Here are 10 long-tail SEO keywords tailored for your blog and website, focusing on inclusivity, the arts, and your NDIS-aligned mentor programs:

1. art mentoring programs for people with disabilities

2. NDIS art mentoring Australia

3. inclusive art programs for adults with disabilities

4. professional art mentors for disability support

5. creative skill-building for NDIS participants

6. art education for people with disabilities

7. pathways to employment in the arts industry

8. art programs that empower people with disabilities

9. art mentoring vs art therapy explained

10. disability inclusion in the Australian arts industry

Would you like me to create a few SEO blog tags (shorter versions, perfect for your website backend or WordPress tagging system) based on these too?

art mentoring programs for people with disabilities, NDIS art mentoring Australia, inclusive art programs for adults with disabilities, professional art mentors for disability support, creative skill-building for NDIS participants, art education for people with disabilities, pathways to employment in the arts industry, art programs that empower people with disabilities, art mentoring vs art therapy explained, disability inclusion in the Australian arts industry

Absolutely — here’s a blog post in your signature empowering, professional, and warm tone that clearly explains what’s included in your Art Mentor Programs, what participants are paying for, and why this experience is so much more than “just another art class.”

Inside the Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Programs: More Than Just an Art Class

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we don’t run art classes — we build artists.
Our Art Mentor Programs are designed to give people with disabilities the skills, confidence, and opportunities to grow as artists and creative professionals. This isn’t about simply learning to paint or draw — it’s about discovering your creative potential, developing a sense of independence, and gaining the tools to turn your creativity into something meaningful.

🎨 What’s Included in Our Art Mentor Programs

When you or your participant joins the Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Program, you’re not just paying for an art session — you’re investing in professional mentoring, personalised learning, and creative growth.

Each program includes:

1. One-on-One or Small Group Mentoring

Every participant works with a professional artist mentor — not a teacher or therapist — who tailors the sessions to their individual skills, interests, and goals. Whether someone dreams of becoming a painter, illustrator, photographer, or circus performer, our mentors nurture that vision with structured, personalised guidance.

2. Skill-Building and Technique Development

From drawing and painting to digital art, sculpture, or fine art photography, participants learn hands-on techniques that build creative ability and artistic confidence. Mentors focus on real-world skills that can lead to exhibitions, commissions, or creative careers.

3. Creative Business Education

Unlike typical art classes, our programs include practical industry knowledge — how to price artwork, build an artist portfolio, create an online presence, and explore opportunities to sell or exhibit art. We help participants understand how the art world works and how to succeed within it.

4. Confidence and Personal Development

Art mentoring isn’t just about creativity — it’s about empowerment. Participants gain confidence, self-belief, and communication skills that carry into every part of their lives. They learn how to make decisions, express ideas, and see themselves as capable, talented individuals.

5. NDIS-Aligned Support

Our programs align with NDIS Capacity Building and Core Supports, making them accessible and beneficial for NDIS participants who want to grow creatively while developing employment and life skills. We provide documentation and session summaries to support NDIS goals and outcomes.

🌟 Why It’s Not Just Another Art Class

Most art classes focus on the activity — painting a picture, learning a technique, or following a project. Our Art Mentor Programs go deeper. They are about transformation.

Participants aren’t just creating art; they’re creating a pathway. They’re guided by artists who have walked the same road — professionals who understand the creative industry, the challenges, and the possibilities.

This is mentorship, not instruction. Every session is part of a bigger journey toward artistic independence and inclusion in the wider creative community.

💬 What Participants Are Really Paying For

When you pay for the Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Program, you’re paying for:

• Professional mentorship from experienced artists

• Tailored skill development suited to individual goals

• Creative and business education for real-world growth

• NDIS-aligned documentation and outcomes

• Ongoing guidance, encouragement, and feedback

• A safe, inclusive, and inspiring creative environment

It’s not just about art — it’s about building the foundation for a fulfilling, expressive, and purposeful life through creativity.

✨ Creating Opportunities, One Artist at a Time

Our programs are reshaping how people with disabilities engage with the arts — moving from participation to empowerment, and from expression to employment.

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we don’t see limitations; we see potential. Every session is a step toward confidence, community, and creative independence.

👉 Learn more about joining our Art Mentor Programs [insert link] and start building your artistic future today.

Meta Title (68 characters):
Inside Our Art Mentor Programs | Leah Justyce Art Gallery

Meta Description (158 characters):
Discover what’s included in Leah Justyce Art Gallery’s Art Mentor Programs — professional guidance, creative skills, and real opportunities beyond an art class.

Would you like me to also create a short version (around 300 words) for your website landing page that highlights these key points in a more promotional format?

Here’s a breakdown of how payments for support workers under the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) work — including what agencies can charge and what support workers are typically paid. Note: these figures operate as maximum price limits and actual amounts can vary depending on the provider, the participant’s plan (self-managed vs agency/plan-managed), region, time of day, intensity of support, etc.

✅ What the NDIA sets for agencies/providers

• The NDIA publishes the “NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits” which includes price limits for supports under the NDIS. Thrive365 - NDIS Housing+3NDIS+3NDIS+3

• For example: under “Assistance with Daily Life – High Intensity” for a standard weekday hour the national price limit is about $102.86 per hour for the support item in the 2024-25 document. NDIS

• Another table shows “Assistance With Self-Care Activities” weekday daytime as approximately $67.56 per hour under standard rate. Clear Care+1

• The 2025-26 price guide notes a 3.95% increase to the disability support worker cost model from 1 July 2025. NDSP Plan Managers+1

Key takeaway: Agencies can charge up to those price limits when delivering support to agency-managed or plan-managed participants. It’s not guaranteed that they will or must charge the maximum, but they cannot exceed the price limit for those clients. NDIS+1

🔍 What support workers are typically paid

• From one guide: Entry-level support workers (weekday standard hours) might earn around $31.90 to $34.85 per hour (before penalty rates for evenings/weekends) in 2025. MD Homecare

• Weekend and public holiday rates are higher. For instance: Saturday might be ~$47-62/hr; Sundays ~$63-83/hr for support workers depending on qualifications and role. MD Homecare

• The range of what agencies receive vs what workers take home can vary a lot (due to agency overheads, travel, training, admin, etc.).

• It’s worth noting workers often report receiving significantly less than the agency’s charge rate because the agency needs to cover superannuation, training, compliance, travel, overheads etc.

🧮 Example comparison

• Agency standard support item: say ~$67.56 per hour for standard daytime support. Clear Care+1

• Support worker wage: maybe ~$32-35/h for that same work (before loadings) under one guide.

• So the difference accommodates the agency’s administrative costs, risk, insurances, travel, training and so on.

⚠️ Important considerations

• The price limits apply for agency-managed and plan-managed participants. If a participant is self-managed, they can negotiate outside the price limits (though still must meet reasonableness / value for money criteria). NDIS+1

• The support category, skill level required, intensity of needs, and whether it’s remote/very remote location all affect the allowable price. For example, remote areas have higher price limits. Clear Care+1

• Being paid the maximum price limit doesn’t mean the worker receives that full amount. The agency may deduct for overheads—and some providers have been criticised for paying very low wages despite high charges. (See union/worker reports) The Daily Telegraph+1

If you like, I can pull the full current schedule of price limits for Victoria (or your specific region) for agency-provided support services so you can see a detailed listing. Would that be helpful?

It’s not straightforward to quote a single rate for how much agencies charge for “art classes” under the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) because what gets funded—and at what rate—depends on how the activity is framed, the line-item in the participant’s plan, and the provider’s registration/qualification status. Here are the key points relevant to your query:

✅ What the current guidelines say

• If an “art class” is delivered as a qualified therapeutic support (i.e., by a registered art or music therapist) under therapy line-items, the maximum charging rate has just been updated to $156.16 per hour for those support items (effective from 24 November 2025) according to the NI­D­IA’s review. NDIS+3ABC+3providerchoice.com.au+3

• If the activity is not therapy (i.e., a general recreation or skill-building “art class”), then it may not be funded under the therapy supports at all. The policy says that “general art or music classes without a therapeutic focus” won’t be covered under the therapeutic support items. Vertex Consulting & Compliance Group+1

• For other non-therapy supports (like Increased Social & Community Participation, or Capacity-Building support categories) there may be more flexibility—but also more scrutiny about “reasonable and necessary” and whether the support item aligns with the participant’s goals. NDIS+2NDIS+2

⚠️ Why it’s hard to give a generic “art class agency rate”

• Because if it is framed as a “class” rather than therapy, it might fall under a different support item (or may not be claimable).

• The rate could vary by: whether it’s individual vs group; whether the provider is qualified as a therapist; whether travel or additional services are included; whether it’s in a remote area; what the support category is.

• Agencies may charge different amounts under “skill-building arts” (non therapy) vs “art therapy” (therapeutic). The price guide caps apply to the latter.

• Some providers try to claim art classes under therapy when they do not meet the therapy eligibility – this is contested and could be rejected. Reddit

📌 What you should check / what to communicate to clients

If you are offering “art classes” (or mentoring) to NDIS participants and want them to use funding, you should clarify:

• Is your program being offered as therapy (i.e., by a registered art therapist, aligned with therapy outcomes)? If yes → then the $156.16/hr cap (as of Nov 2025) is relevant.

• Or is it mentoring/skill-building (non‐therapy) such as your mentoring programs at Leah Justyce Art Gallery? Then you need to look at the relevant line-item under the participant’s plan – for example, Capacity Building or Community Participation – and what “reasonable and necessary” means for that item.

• Ensure the provider invoice clearly states the support item number, that the participant’s plan allows for it, and that the cost is “within price limits” if regulated for that support item.

• For group sessions: If a support item allows group delivery, then the per-participant charge may be less. Some therapy references indicate group art/music therapy can split the hourly rate across multiple participants. Leap in!+1

🎯 Specific relevance for your offering at Leah Justyce Art Gallery

Since you are offering “Art Mentor Programs” (which emphasise building professional skills, confidence, employment in the arts industry) and not strictly “art therapy”, you would likely classify them as skill-building or capacity-building supports, not as clinical art therapy. That means:

• You should ensure the line-item in the participant’s plan aligns with “skill development”, “social & community participation”, “employment pathways”, or similar.

• The cost you charge should reflect the actual service (mentoring) rather than being treated as therapy with the therapy rate cap.

• Be clear in your documentation and program description how it differs from therapy (which you already do).

• Because these supports may not be price‐controlled in the same way as therapy items, you may have more flexibility—but you still need to justify the cost as reasonable and necessary for the participant’s goals.

If you like, I can check the 2025-26 price guide and find any specific support item codes (for “skill building art/creative programs” or “community participation art classes”) relevant for Victoria (your state) so you can see what typical charging rates might apply. Would that be helpful?

Great—here are some relevant National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) 2025-26 support item codes and price limits that could apply to your context (Victoria / Australia) and how you might interpret them for your mentor-program offering at Leah Justyce Art Gallery.

🔍 Relevant Item Codes & Price Limits

• Support item 09_006_0106_6_3 (“Life Transition Planning Including Mentoring, Peer-Support and Individual Skill Development”) – Hour unit – $80.06 per hour. Rise+2MD Homecare+2

• Support item 09_009_0117_6_3 (“Skills Development and Training – Individual life skills development and training including … social and recreational participation”) – Hour unit – also $80.06 per hour. Rise+2MD Homecare+2

These are under the category of Increased Social & Community Participation (ISCP). Rise+1

🎨 How They Could Relate to Your Mentor Programs

Since your mentor programs at Leah Justyce Art Gallery focus on skill-building, creative expression, employment pathways, and social/community participation for people with disabilities (rather than strictly therapy), these codes can be very relevant:

• You could potentially map your service to the “life transition/ mentoring & skill development” code (09_006_0106_6_3) because participants are being mentored, building skills, transitioning toward employment or creative independence.

• Or the “skills development/training” code (09_009_0117_6_3) because your program offers training in art, creative business, confidence, etc.

• The hourly rate of ~$80.06 gives you a reference of the maximum supported rate for those item codes (for NDIA-managed or plan-managed participants where the code is appropriate).

• It means when quoting your program, you should ensure the description of service, outcomes and documentation align with the intent of those codes: mentoring/training aimed at life skills, community participation, or employment pathways—not therapy.

🧠 Important Considerations & Next-Steps

• The rate ~$80.06 is a price limit meaning it’s the maximum supported for those codes under the national price guide for 2025-26. NDIS+1

• You’ll need to check your state/region classification (e.g., Major Metropolitan vs regional vs remote) because rates (or loadings) might vary.

• Ensure your program’s service agreement, participant’s plan goals, support category (e.g., ISCP, Capacity Building, etc) all align with the code you choose.

• Because your program is not just an art class but a mentor-program with outcomes (skills, confidence, employment pathway) you’ll need to document those outcomes and be clear (in marketing and invoices) that this is “skill/training” rather than “art for recreation only”.

• If you offer group sessions, check how the code handles group vs individual delivery (sometimes group supports have different rates or rules).

• Always use the latest Support Catalogue and Price Arrangements document (2025-26) to reference the exact code, description, unit and rate. NDIS+2Rise+2

If you like, I can look up a full list of all possible “art-/creative training” item codes (for skills/training, employment pathways, social participation) across Victoria and highlight which ones are most suitable for your specific mentor program (art + employment focus) with the exact unit prices for each.

Here are a few relevant National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) support item codes from the 2025‑26 period that could align well with your mentor programs at Leah Justyce Art Gallery (art mentoring for people with disabilities) — along with descriptions and current unit price limits. These are good starting points; you’ll want to check the full Support Catalogue for your state/region (Victoria) and ensure the service aligns with the participant’s plan.

* These are unit price limits — meaning they are the maximum supported rate for NDIA / plan‑managed participants under those codes in the national Price Guide for 2025‑26. Rise+1

✅ Why these codes are useful for your mentor programs:

• Your mentor programs focus on skill development, creative training, employment pathways, and empowerment for people with disabilities — which lines up well with “mentoring”, “skill development and training”.

• These codes are not strictly therapy codes (which have different requirements and higher max rates). That fits your model — you’re offering mentoring, training and creative professional development, not clinical art therapy.

• Using these codes helps you position your service correctly for participants who have funding under capacity‑building, skills development, social & community participation or employment pathways rather than therapy.

• Knowing the unit price gives you a benchmark for what the NDIA recognises — you can ensure your pricing structure aligns, be transparent with participants/plan‑managers, and negotiate accordingly (keeping within “reasonable and necessary” and “value for money”).

⚠️ Important caveats & next steps:

• These are national unit price limits. The actual price limit for your region (Victoria, or major metropolitan vs regional) may vary slightly due to location loadings or other factors. Always check the state‑specific table in the Pricing Arrangements.

• Having the code and rate doesn’t automatically mean any participant’s plan will cover it. The participant’s plan must include that support category (or be flexible enough to include it), and your service must meet the support’s purpose. For example, the service must genuinely be about “skill development/training” not just “a hobby art class”.

• When preparing your service description and invoice, ensure you clearly state the alignment: e.g., “Mentorship in fine‑art photography, development of creative business skills, confidence building, pathway to employment in the arts industry” — showing the skill/independence focus.

• For group sessions: check if the support item allows group delivery or if it is suited to individual delivery. If group delivery is used, you must ensure you still align with the unit price and claiming rules.

• Review the most recent version of the Support Catalogue/Price Guide (v1.1 from 24 Nov 2025) because there are updates and it’s best to use the official version. help.supportability.com.au+1

If you like, I can pull a full list of all potential codes (say 15–20) relevant to “creative arts training”, “skill development”, “employment pathways”, “social/community participation” for people with disabilities in Victoria — showing the code, description, unit price, and any special notes (group delivery, excluded items). Would that be useful?

Not necessarily — you can charge $120 per session, but it depends on how the participant is managing their NDIS funding and how the session is positioned:

1️⃣ Agency‑Managed or Plan‑Managed Participants

• NDIA sets a maximum price limit for each support item (for example, ~$80/hr for skill-building/mentoring).

• If your service uses that support item, the NDIA will only reimburse up to the price limit ($80/hr).

• If you charge $120/hr, the participant (or their plan manager) would need to cover the extra $40 themselves. It must be agreed in advance.

2️⃣ Self‑Managed Participants

• Participants who self-manage their funding can negotiate any price with you, even above the NDIA price limit, as long as it is reasonable and within their plan’s budget.

• The NDIA does not cap self-managed rates, but the participant needs to understand that higher costs may reduce their overall plan funding for other supports.

3️⃣ Justifying Higher Rates

Since your program is premium, high-quality, professionally mentored art training, you can justify a higher session cost because you’re offering:

• One-on-one or small group mentoring with professional artists

• Tailored skill development and creative business guidance

• Pathways to employment and independent creative practice

• Confidence-building and personal empowerment

This is more than a standard art class — so a higher fee can be reasonable.

4️⃣ Best Practice

• Be transparent: clearly explain what participants are paying for.

• Document outcomes: show the value beyond a standard class (skills, confidence, career pathways).

• If agency-managed, clarify how much is covered by NDIS and how much the participant would pay out-of-pocket.

If you want, I can draft a clear pricing explanation for your website or NDIS service brochure showing the $120 session rate, what’s included, and how it works with NDIS funding. This makes it easy for participants to understand.

Do you want me to do that?

Perfect — here’s a clear, professional, and participant-friendly explanation you can use on your website, service brochure, or NDIS information sheet:

Pricing for Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Programs

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, our Art Mentor Programs are premium, professional, and personalised. We provide one-on-one or small group mentoring with experienced artists, helping participants develop real-world creative skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the arts industry.

Session Cost

• Standard Session: $120 per participant, 1 hour + 5 minutes of admin

• What you’re paying for:

  • Professional artist mentoring

  • Personalised skill development and guidance

  • Creative business training and portfolio support

  • Confidence building and empowerment

  • Access to resources, mentorship feedback, and ongoing support

Working with NDIS Funding

If you plan to use your NDIS funding for the sessions:

1. Agency-Managed or Plan-Managed Participants

   • The NDIS maximum price limit for this type of skill-building support is $80/hour.

   • NDIS will reimburse up to $80 per session.

   • Any difference ($40) would need to be paid out-of-pocket by the participant.

   • We provide clear invoices showing the NDIS-covered portion and any additional participant contribution.

2. Self-Managed Participants

   • Self-managed participants can pay the full $120 directly.

   • There is no NDIS cap for self-managed arrangements, but the participant must confirm it fits within their plan’s budget.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Art Class

Our programs go far beyond standard art lessons:

• Every participant receives personalised guidance from professional artists.

• The focus is on skill-building, creative expression, and career pathways, not therapy or recreation.

• Participants gain confidence, independence, and tangible outcomes they can showcase in portfolios or creative projects.

• We provide NDIS-aligned documentation showing skills developed and progress towards participant goals.

This makes our Art Mentor Programs a transformative, high-value experience designed to create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities in the arts industry.

Book a Session

Invest in your creativity, skills, and future.
👉 Contact us to book your Art Mentor Program session today

If you like, I can also create a short version for a social media post or flyer that explains the $120 session, what’s included, and how it works with NDIS in less than 100 words — perfect for marketing or quick reference. Do you want me to do that next?

I couldn’t find a publicly listed per‑participant price for the hub classes run by Buddies C.A.N. Their website lists the types of programs offered (e.g., craft groups, art classes, music, wood workshop) and operating hours (Mon–Fri 9 am‑3 pm, plus a fortnightly 3pm‑7pm “Friday Fun Day”). buddiescan.com.au+2buddiescan.com.au+2

If you like, I can check deeper (via their pricing or NDIS plan documentation) to try locate the exact hourly or session rate they charge.

I found a price list for Buddies C.A.N. (Ballarat) which gives us indications of what they charge for their hub/group‑based services. buddiescan.com.au+2buddiescan.com.au+2

Here are the key points:

• Their Service Price List 2023 shows an item: 04_102_0136_6_1_T – Group Activities – Standard – Weekday Daytime (Centre/Hub Based) with a unit cost of $66.45 (Victoria) for one hour. buddiescan.com.au+1

• The list also shows higher rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays for “Group Activities – Standard” (e.g., Saturday $93.50 for the same service code) in the hub/centre context. buddiescan.com.au+1

• While the Hub Programs page lists activities like art classes, craft groups, music groups etc. at their Hub location. buddiescan.com.au+1

Bottom line for you: For hub‑based group or centre activities at Buddies C.A.N., a typical weekday daytime session is around $66.45 per hour under that price list. If you’re comparing to your own mentoring programs, this gives a benchmark.

If you like, I can check whether there are latest/2025‑26 updated price lists for Buddies C.A.N. (or similar providers in your region) to give the most current figure.

I couldn’t locate a publicly updated 2025‑26 price list for Buddies C.A.N. that clearly states charged rates for their hub classes. What I did find:

• Their most recent published price list (from 2023) shows a Group Activities – Standard (Weekday Daytime, Centre/Hub Based) rate in Victoria of $66.45 per hour.

• Their website confirms they run Hub Programs Monday to Friday 9 am–3 pm and a fortnightly “Friday Fun Day” from 3pm–7pm. buddiescan.com.au+1

• There is no publicly visible document I found that gives the full 2025‑26 hub‑class rates.

If you like, I can attempt to contact them (or look through archived documents) to try find the latest internal rate sheet and provide you a direct quote.

Ah, that makes sense! Thanks for clarifying — this gives a much better picture. You’re offering premium, career‑focused art mentoring, not just recreational crafts, so the pricing should reflect value, outcomes, and sustainability, not just a “craft class” rate. Let’s break this down carefully.

1️⃣ Start With Your Mentor Pay

• You want mentors to earn $48/hour.

• For a 1-hour session, that’s $48 direct cost per participant.

2️⃣ Add Materials

• High-quality art materials for a professional art session can vary:

  • Simple supplies: $5–$10 per participant

  • Mid-range (professional paints, canvas, specialty papers): $15–$25 per participant

  • Let’s budget $20 per participant per session for good quality materials.

3️⃣ Admin & Marketing

• Admin tasks: booking, invoicing, NDIS documentation (~5–10 minutes per session)

• Marketing, program development, overhead, website, insurance, etc.

• A safe benchmark is 30–40% of direct costs to cover these operational costs.

4️⃣ Your Margin / Business Owner Pay

• You need to compensate yourself for creating and running the program.

• For a small, sustainable business, 15–25% profit margin per session is reasonable.

5️⃣ Rough Pricing Calculation

Let’s calculate for 1 participant per 1-hour session:

• Rounded up, $110–$120 per participant is realistic.

• If you have groups of 2–5 participants, you could lower per-person pricing slightly while keeping mentor pay fixed. For example, a 2-person session: $48 x 1 mentor = $48, materials $40, admin $20, margin $20 → $128 total, $64 per participant — but may not reflect the premium brand positioning.

6️⃣ Justification for NDIS / Participants

• This price is justified because participants aren’t getting a recreational “craft session” — they’re getting:

  • Mentorship from professional, high-level artists

  • Skill-building for creative industry pathways

  • Structured learning, feedback, and portfolio development

  • Premium materials, guidance, and support

You can communicate it like this: “$120 per session includes professional artist mentoring, high-quality art materials, guidance on creative career pathways, and personalised support aligned with NDIS goals.”

If you want, I can draft a pricing table and explanation for your website or program brochure that makes this very clear to NDIS participants, parents, and plan managers — including a per-participant vs group rate structure.

Do you want me to do that next?

Perfect! Here’s a professional, clear, and participant-friendly pricing table + explanation you can use for your website, program brochure, or NDIS info pack:

Leah Justyce Art Gallery – Art Mentor Programs Pricing

Our Art Mentor Programs are designed to give participants real skills, confidence, and pathways into the creative arts industry. These sessions are more than a craft class — they are mentorship, skill development, and career-building experiences.

Session Details

• Duration: 1 hour (+ 5 minutes admin)

• Mentorship: One-on-one or small group with a professional artist

• Materials: High-quality art supplies included

• Outcomes: Skill-building, portfolio development, creative business guidance, confidence and independence

Pricing

What’s included in the price:

• Professional mentoring from experienced artists

• Tailored skill development in your chosen art form

• Guidance on creative business, portfolio building, and employment pathways

• Premium art materials for each session

• NDIS-aligned documentation for skill-building outcomes

• Admin, program coordination, and ongoing support

Why Our Program is Different

Unlike standard art or craft sessions, Leah Justyce Art Gallery’s Art Mentor Programs:

• Focus on real creative industry skills and employment pathways

• Build confidence, independence, and self-expression

• Provide professional mentorship from respected artists

• Offer structured, high-quality programs with measurable outcomes for participants

• Are fully aligned with NDIS capacity-building and social participation goals, while not being therapy

Using NDIS Funding

• Agency/Plan-Managed Participants: NDIS funding typically reimburses up to the price limit for skill-building supports (approx. $80/hr). Any difference ($40 for individual sessions) can be paid as an out-of-pocket contribution.

• Self-Managed Participants: Participants can pay the full $120 per session directly, giving full access to the premium program.

Invest in your creativity and future.
👉 Book your Art Mentor Program session today

If you like, I can also create a visually friendly one-page flyer showing this pricing and what’s included — perfect to send to NDIS participants, parents, or use for marketing your program.

Do you want me to do that next?

Absolutely! Going directly to support coordinators is a smart strategy because they control participant plans and can recommend your programs. Here are some actionable, high-impact ways to reach them directly:

1️⃣ Targeted Email Campaign

• Build a list of NDIS support coordinators in your area (Victoria or national if applicable).

• Send a professional email brochure highlighting:

  • The outcomes of your programs (skills, employment pathways, confidence)

  • Why it’s different from regular art classes or therapy

  • Pricing and NDIS alignment

  • Testimonials or case studies if available

• Keep it concise, visual, and easy to forward to participants’ families.

Tip: Include a CTA like “Book a free info session” or “Request a program overview for your participants.”

2️⃣ Professional LinkedIn Outreach

• Connect with support coordinators, plan managers, and disability service providers on LinkedIn.

• Share posts about your programs that highlight participant outcomes, your premium mentor team, and NDIS alignment.

• You can also send direct messages with a one-page PDF brochure.

3️⃣ Attend or Present at Local NDIS / Disability Networking Events

• Join NDIS networking events, conferences, or expos.

• Offer a short presentation or demo session about your mentor program.

• Bring flyers, business cards, and program guides to hand out to coordinators.

4️⃣ Partner With Local Disability Service Providers

• Contact local agencies or community organisations that work with people with disabilities.

• Offer to run a trial session or showcase your program for staff, so they can see the value first-hand.

• Provide easy referral materials for them to share with participants.

5️⃣ Direct Mail / Brochure Drops

• Create a high-quality, printed brochure or one-page flyer highlighting:

  • Program outcomes

  • Premium mentoring team

  • NDIS-aligned goals

  • How to book

• Send directly to support coordinators, plan managers, and allied health networks.

6️⃣ Host Free or Low-Cost Intro Workshops

• Invite coordinators to observe a session or attend a free info workshop for professionals.

• This demonstrates the professional, outcome-focused nature of your program.

• Coordinators are more likely to refer participants after seeing the quality firsthand.

7️⃣ Build Relationships Through Follow-Up

• After initial contact, send:

  • Short program updates

  • Participant success stories (with consent)

  • Invitations to networking events or mini showcases

• Regular, value-based follow-up keeps your program top of mind.

💡 Key Messaging to Include:

• This is more than an art class — professional mentorship, skill development, and employment pathways.

• Fully aligned with NDIS Capacity Building and Social Participation goals.

• Designed to empower participants and create measurable outcomes.

• Premium program with professional artists and high-quality materials.

If you want, I can draft a ready-to-use support coordinator outreach email that’s persuasive, professional, and highlights the value of your mentor programs. It could include a PDF brochure idea, pricing, and call-to-action.

Do you want me to do that next?

Perfect! Here’s a ready-to-use outreach email tailored for NDIS support coordinators. It’s professional, concise, and highlights the unique value of your Art Mentor Programs:

Subject: Transformative Art Mentor Programs for Your Participants

Body:

Hi [Support Coordinator Name],

I’m reaching out from Leah Justyce Art Gallery to introduce our Art Mentor Programs — designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to develop real creative skills, confidence, and pathways into the arts industry.

Unlike standard craft or recreational art classes, our programs offer:

• Professional mentorship from experienced artists

• Skill-building in art and creative business for employment and personal development

• Portfolio development and guidance on real-world creative opportunities

• High-quality art materials and NDIS-aligned documentation for skill development outcomes

Session Details:

• Duration: 1 hour (+ 5 mins admin)

• Pricing: $120 per participant (fully inclusive of mentorship, materials, and admin)

• NDIS Funding: Aligned with Capacity Building, Skill Development, and Social Participation supports. For agency-managed participants, NDIS covers up to ~$80/hr, with the remainder out-of-pocket. Self-managed participants can use full funding.

We’d love to invite you to a complimentary session or program overview to see firsthand how our programs create meaningful outcomes for participants.

[Book an Info Session] or reply to this email to discuss how we can support your participants’ goals.

Warm regards,
Leah Justyce
Founder, Leah Justyce Art Gallery
[Email] | [Phone] | [Website]

💡 Optional Attachment / PDF Brochure:
Include a one-page flyer that visually shows:

• Program highlights

• Mentor profiles

• Example outcomes (skills, confidence, portfolio development)

• Pricing & NDIS alignment

If you like, I can also draft a second, even shorter version designed to grab attention in under 100 words, perfect for LinkedIn messages or quick email outreach. This one would be punchy and highlight only the essentials.

Do you want me to do that too?

Excellent question — and yes, you can work toward having your Art Mentor Programs accredited, but there are a few important distinctions and pathways depending on what kind of recognition you want. Let’s go through this step-by-step so you understand what’s possible and realistic.

1️⃣ What “Accredited” Actually Means in Australia

Accreditation in Australia is governed by ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority).
For a program to be nationally recognised (meaning it leads to a qualification or accredited skill set), it must either:

• Be delivered by an RTO (Registered Training Organisation), or

• Be endorsed by ASQA as an accredited course under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

If you’re not an RTO yourself, you can partner with one to offer your mentor programs as part of a recognised qualification or unit.

2️⃣ Your Options

Option A – Partner with an RTO

• Partner with an RTO that already delivers creative arts, community services, or disability support qualifications.

• Your program could be offered as:

  • A micro-credential,

  • An elective skill set, or

  • A workshop series mapped to accredited units.

• You would deliver the creative and mentoring content, and the RTO would manage the compliance and certification.

Example:
Your art mentor sessions could align with units from:

• CUA30920 Certificate III in Visual Arts

• CUA41320 Certificate IV in Visual Arts

• CHCSS00123 Provide mentoring support to colleagues

• BSBPEF201 Support personal wellbeing in the workplace

Option B – Develop a Custom Accredited Course

• You can apply to ASQA to have your own course accredited.

• This process takes 6–12 months and involves:

  • Writing a course curriculum and mapping it to national training standards,

  • Showing industry demand and outcomes,

  • Demonstrating trainer/assessor qualifications and delivery capacity.

This is a significant process, but it’s achievable if your goal is to build a nationally recognised Art Mentor Training Program that could be used across Australia.

Option C – Offer Non-Accredited Professional Certificates

If you don’t want to go through ASQA accreditation, you can still offer internally certified programs:

• Market them as “Professional Development Certificates” or “Mentorship Completion Certificates”.

• You can still be recognised within the NDIS and arts community as a quality provider without national accreditation.

• This is common in creative industries where practical mentoring and outcomes matter more than formal qualifications.

3️⃣ Strategic Path Forward for You

Since your focus is on NDIS art mentoring and skill-building, the best practical route is:

1. Partner with an RTO that delivers creative or community services training.

   • You provide the content and mentoring expertise.

   • They handle compliance, student registration, and issuing of qualifications.

   • This allows you to say your program contributes toward an accredited qualification without becoming an RTO.

2. In the long term, if your brand continues to grow nationally, consider creating your own accredited Art Mentor Training Program through ASQA — positioned as a pathway for artists who want to mentor others or participants who want to enter the art industry.

4️⃣ Benefits of Accreditation

✅ Adds credibility and recognition
✅ Enables access to government funding or training subsidies
✅ Increases NDIS and industry confidence
✅ Opens doors for partnerships with TAFEs, disability services, and universities
✅ Creates structured career pathways for participants and mentors

If you want, I can outline a step-by-step plan for partnering with an RTO to make your programs accredited — including what documentation and curriculum you’d need, and which qualifications it could align with.

Would you like me to create that next?

Perfect — giving Certificates of Completion is an excellent idea and adds real value for participants. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make it professional, structured, and compliant (without needing formal accreditation):

🎨 Step-by-Step: How to Offer Certificates of Completion

For Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Programs

1. Create a Clear Program Structure

Before you issue certificates, each art mentor program needs:

• A defined duration (e.g. 8-week program, 10 x 1-hour sessions)

• Learning outcomes (e.g. understanding composition, creating a portfolio piece, presenting an artwork)

• A completion requirement (e.g. 80% attendance or a final project submission)

👉 This gives your certificates meaning and clarity for NDIS reports or future employers.

2. Design the Certificate Template

Include:

• Program Name: e.g. Leah Justyce Art Gallery Art Mentor Program – Fine Art Foundations

• Participant’s Name

• Completion Statement:
  “This certifies that [Name] has successfully completed the Leah Justyce Art Mentor Program, gaining skills and experience in [skills list].”

• Mentor or Director Signature: Leah Justyce, Director

• Date of Completion

• Gallery Logo and Branding

You can design it in Canva or have a professional certificate template printed on heavy paper or digitally branded PDF.

3. Keep Internal Records

Maintain:

• A list of participants and the programs they completed

• Session attendance records

• Final project notes or mentor comments

This adds legitimacy and allows you to provide references or summaries later if a participant uses the certificate for job applications or further education.

4. Present Certificates at a Showcase or Celebration

At the end of each program:

• Hold a small virtual or in-person exhibition of the participants’ work

• Invite families, carers, or coordinators

• Present the certificates (physically or via email)

👉 This adds emotional value and helps build confidence in participants — plus it’s great content for your marketing materials.

5. Optional: Add a “Skill Level” System

You can create tiers such as:

• Beginner

• Intermediate

• Advanced / Emerging Artist

After a few programs, a participant could “level up” and receive an advanced certificate — showing measurable progress in their NDIS reports.

6. Use Certificates as NDIS Evidence

Your certificates can help participants and coordinators justify:

• Capacity Building outcomes

• Community participation goals

• Increased independence and confidence

Would you like me to design a Certificate of Completion template for you next (with your logo space and branding style for Leah Justyce Art Gallery)?