Sydney Kids Turn 'School Can't' Into First Art Show

Twelve-year-old Damien Farbman stood in a Sydney gallery watching visitors admire his ceramic sculptures, thrilled that his first exhibition wasn't just a private family event. He's one of dozens of mostly neurodivergent children whose artwork now fills Studio 551 in Newtown, proving that struggling with traditional school doesn't mean struggling with success.

The exhibition, called Unseen, Unheard, Unstoppable, showcases brightly colored abstract paintings, intricate ceramics, collages exploring social issues, and even sound design pieces. Some artists are only six years old, but they share a common experience: mainstream schooling didn't work for them.

These young creators spent months learning street art, pottery, drawing, video editing, and podcasting through KinHub, a volunteer-run organization in Marrickville helping families navigate what they call "school can't." The term deliberately replaces "school refusal" because for these children, it's not a choice.

Diana Garcia's daughter Alba had a "horrible experience" in traditional school before switching to homeschooling. "It is messy, but I think it's the best solution," Garcia said, explaining that homeschooling offers the individualized approach her neurodivergent children need.

Sinem Gul's son Poyraz faced tears every morning and overwhelming pressure at school. After connecting with KinHub through a homeschool liaison officer, he found a different path forward that worked better for his needs.

Damien's grandmother, Mabel Inganzou, watched her grandson transform over the past year and a half since leaving mainstream school. "He was always the odd one out," she said. "We pulled him out, and he's a much happier person."

The Ripple Effect

KinHub founder Corinne Smith started the organization in 2024 after her own children became what she calls "reluctant homeschoolers." Unlike typical drop-off programs, KinHub invites parents to join workshops alongside their kids, creating a low-pressure environment where children can build connections and belonging.

"Most people would walk in and think that it looks like chaos," Smith explained, describing kids playing pool in one corner while others create street art in another. "It's sort of a pretty well-programmed symphony which allows the kids to come in and access the program wherever they're at."

The timing matters. NSW has seen the number of homeschooled children double to nearly 13,000 since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the state's Audit Office. Thousands of Australian families are navigating alternative learning pathways, often feeling invisible in the process.

Smith emphasizes that KinHub's goal isn't pushing kids back into systems that failed them. Instead, it provides safe community spaces and ensures disengagement doesn't become permanent, giving children platforms to show they're doing amazing things.

Chris Gambian from Australians for Mental Health says more non-clinical support models like KinHub are essential. "There needs to be a recognition of this as an issue of care, and not an issue of compliance," he said.

For Damien and his fellow artists, the exhibition proves they're far from invisible—they're unstoppable.