The 2026 genU artX Metro exhibition has celebrated the creativity and talent of artists living with disability and mental health challenges, bringing almost 100 artworks together for a 10-day exhibition at Darebin Arts Centre.
GH Commercial is proud to support genU and the artX Metro exhibition as part of an ongoing partnership that began in 2023.
Supporting Creativity Through Partnership
Originally founded in Geelong in 1952, genU is a profit-for-purpose organisation supporting people of all abilities through employment, training, education and social inclusion programs. Through the genU Arts Programme, artists living with disability are provided with opportunities to develop their creative practice, share their work and connect with the wider community.
GH Commercial's support extends across two collections, Social Canvas and Chromatic Cadence, with $1 donated to the genU Arts Programme for every square metre sold across both collections, with donations made bi-annually.
The initiative reflects a shared belief in the value of creativity, individuality and spaces that help people feel connected and included.
Now an annual highlight on the arts calendar, artX Metro provides artists with an opportunity to share their work with new audiences, gain recognition and celebrate their creative expression in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Michelle Hickey, Brand Manager GH Commercial, attended the awards night on Thursday 10 September, where artists, supporters and members of the community gathered to celebrate this year's outstanding works.
“As organisations with deep roots in Geelong, GH Commercial and genU share a commitment to creating positive impact through connection and inclusion. Seeing the creativity, passion and individuality on display at artX Metro is a powerful reminder that art has the ability to bring people together and help build stronger, more inclusive communities.” - Michelle Hickey
A distinguished panel of judges assessed the entries across originality, use of materials, artistic elements and composition, with the quality of the works making for a challenging decision.
Social Canvas brings the warmth and character of artistic expression into the built environment. The collection explores different textures and colourful brushwork across multiple carpet styles, with each style offering its own interpretation of a canvas.
View the collection
Chromatic Cadence takes inspiration from the relationship between colour and music, using tonal variation and rhythm to create carpet designs that can spark imagination or a sense of calm. The collection was inspired by artist Yvette and her use of music as a starting point for her expressive, colour-filled paintings.
View the collection
Both collections support the genU Arts Programme, helping create further opportunities for artists living with disability to share their work and connect with new audiences.
For GH Commercial, the partnership is an opportunity to help celebrate the creativity and perspectives of artists while contributing to a more inclusive creative community.
Congratulations to all of the artists featured in the 2026 artX Metro exhibition, and particularly to this year's award recipients.
Find out more about the 2026 artX Metro Awards
