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VideoArts & CultureAustralia

Meet Zac Chester: artist and disability activist

The 39-year-old, who lives with Down syndrome, aims to use his paintings to bring disability awareness to the forefront of the Jewish community.
Ruby Kraner-Tucci
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Published: 26 November 2024

Last updated: 26 November 2024

Zac Chester is a 39-year-old Jewish artist. He's also a passionate disability advocate living with Down syndrome.

From a young age, Chester has used art to create a space of freedom, joy and happiness. Today, his bold and bright paintings – and personality – have generated sell-out exhibitions, Instagram fame and stalls at local festivals.

In this special video story produced exclusively for TJI, Ruby Kraner-Tucci speaks with Chester, his mother Sandra and art therapist Shoshi Jacobs about his artistic journey, advocacy and the importance of his paintings to his wellbeing.

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About the author

Ruby Kraner-Tucci

Ruby Kraner-Tucci

Assistant Editor

Ruby Kraner-Tucci is a journalist and TJI's assistant editor. Her writing has appeared in The Age, Australian Jewish News, Time Out and Broadsheet, among others. Ruby was awarded Multicultural NSW’s Best Report in Multicultural Media 2025 and has been named a Top 36 Under 36 Jewish Changemaker by B'nai B'rith.

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