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 resident at The Home for Incurables (now The Julia Farr Centre).
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 Hold exhibitions of members’ paintings Produce Christmas and other seasonal cards, calendars, etc Establish a central workshop or studio Obtain transport to go on painting expeditions Obtain instructors and, Purchase equipment and/or provide a pool of equipment from which members can borrow.

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.
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. We are greatly indebted to the people of Unley for their continuing support.

The Society is managed and controlled by a volunteer committee, that aims to continue providing an excellent service for people with a disability. It is sometimes a challenging and difficult task in our changing world, but, always readily accepted for the benefit of artists with a disability to achieve their aims.