Proposal:

Benny J Artist - Amazon Luxembourg’s

People with Disabilities Gala 2026

WHERE EDUCATION MEETS LIFE

This proposal offers two connected but independent experiences for Amazon Luxembourg’s supported People with Disabilities Gala and fundraising day.

1. Daytime Workshop — Effective Self Advocacy
A practical workshop focused on communication, confidence and self-advocacy skills in personal and professional environments.

2. Evening Exhibition & Storytelling Experience — Gallery of Survival
A combined photographic exhibition and integrated spoken narrative exploring resilience, adaptation and learning through lived experience.

Each element can be booked individually or combined as a full-day experience, with reduced pricing available for joint booking.

Effective Self Advocacy

Summary:

Effective Self Advocacy is an interactive session where participants are led through real life examples demonstrating 3 primary communication techniques to use when faced with adversity from others, from the perspective of having a disability, hidden or otherwise.

# people: For up to 20 participants, disabled or otherwise.

Workshop length: The workshop runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute break.

Runplan:

1: Introduction and Expectations -5 Minutes

2: Communication styles with examples. Fight, Flight or Negotiate. Examples from either Benny or a Participant dealing with work, school or socially . - 30 minutes

3: Planning and Game Theory - 15 minutes

BREAK - 15 minutes

4: Role Play- Participants split into small groups to discuss some situations and “role play” different actions based on the tools discussed, i.e. Fight, Flight and Negotiate, or perhaps something different. - 45 minutes

5: Debrief and finish. 10 Minutes

Daytime Workshop

Exhibition & Storytelling Experience

Gallery of Survival — A Journey Through Life, Adaptation and Possibility

Gallery of Survival is a travelling exhibition and integrated storytelling experience exploring resilience, adaptation and learning through lived experience.

The exhibition and spoken narrative are designed as one connected experience: the photographic works form the visual layer, while an embedded storytelling presentation provides context and personal reflection within the same space.

Born with a rare disease, Benny J’s life has involved continuous adaptation across a range of environments and roles, including bus driving in Sydney, working aboard container ships in Papua New Guinea, managing a pub in Germany and building a career in banking in Luxembourg.

The exhibition presents photographic work drawn from Benny’s life and documented on his resilience diary on instagram (link at bottom of page) — a visual record of lived experience rather than a curated ideal. Alongside moments of strength and movement, it includes unfiltered snapshots of hospital settings, challenge and emotional honesty. The camera becomes part of an ongoing process of engagement and continuation.

Printed on brushed aluminium, the works shift with light and perspective, creating a physical presence that must be experienced in person. The material reflects the themes of strength, resilience and endurance, reinforcing the connection between medium and message.

The storytelling element is embedded within the exhibition, not separate from it. Through narrative and reflection, it expands on the work shown, exploring themes of disability, inclusion, discrimination, resilience and adaptation, allowing audiences to move between image and story within a single shared experience.

The exhibition includes:

In line with Amazon’s “Education is Key” theme, Gallery of Survival highlights that education extends beyond formal learning and is shaped by lived experience, adaptation and continuous learning.

Optional add-on:

Gala and fundraising evening

Workshop: Private room with seating for all participants.

Art Exhibition:

Hanging space for 20 artworks. Currently use an industry standard hanging rail with clear cables connected to the frame of artworks via a metal hoop. Artworks can be presented in various ways and can be decided with logistics team when venue is confirmed. See pictures for hanging system examples

Appropriate lighting. The photos are printed on metal and are stunning under lights. A venue with good lighting preferred.

Equipment

Costs

Costs are structured flexibly depending on the scale of engagement, number of elements included, and duration of the event.

1. Workshop Experience - 1200 EUR Standalone

  • One or more interactive workshops

  • Focus on communication skills

  • Suitable for anyone of any age

  • Includes preparation and materials

2. Exhibition Package - 2500 EUR Standalone

  • Curated travelling exhibition (up to 20 limited edition works)

  • Video slideshow of selected works and stories

  • Installation and adaptation to venue space

  • Can run alongside event programming or independently

  • Includes 20-30 minute live talk related to subject “Education is Key”

3. Full Experience (Recommended) - 3500 EUR Combined

  • Combination of workshops + exhibition

  • Creates a complete narrative journey across the event

  • Strongly aligned with with event format as discussed

Optional Add-ons

  • One-off commissioned artwork for auction (e.g. large-format framed metal print of Stretches) - 997 EUR

  • Final pricing is dependent on travel, venue requirements, duration and level of customisation.

Accessibility Recommendations/Suggestions:

The following are based on my experience and are suggestions only, am happy to discuss further with the logistics team.

Venue-based

  • Step-free / roll-free access throughout the venue (including bathrooms)

  • Accessible parking or clearly signposted drop-off point close to entrance

  • Clear, accessible signage from arrival through to event spaces

  • Lifts or ramps where multi-level access is required

  • Wheelchair spaces integrated within audience seating (not isolated areas)

  • Flexible seating arrangements for workshops (movable / non-fixed seating where possible)

  • Quiet room / low-stimulation space available throughout the event

  • Adequate lighting for visibility without harsh or flickering effects

  • Staff briefed to proactively assist with accessibility needs if required

Event-based

  • Sign language interpretation and/or live visual translation displayed on screens

  • Live captioning for spoken content and video materials

  • High-quality microphone/audio amplification for all speaking sessions and Q&A

  • Accessible presentation design (clear fonts, high contrast, readable layouts)

  • Workshop materials available in accessible digital formats if needed

  • Option for participants to step in and out of sessions freely without disruption

  • Sensory tools available (e.g. fidgets) for participants who benefit from them

  • Clear event schedule shared in advance with timings and breaks

Workshop accessibility

  • Multiple ways to participate (listening, discussion, writing, or observation)

  • No compulsory public speaking or performance-based participation

  • Option to receive workshop materials in advance if required

  • Facilitated pacing with built-in breaks and flexibility

General inclusion

  • Open communication for attendees to request additional adjustments

  • Willingness to adapt delivery based on venue-specific accessibility requirements

Resilience Diary Live feed from Instagram:

Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ěâṟpħǒṉęš" I bought my first Walkman when i was thirteen. It was pink though i think the marketing said it was a reddish colour mine was definitely pink. I liked the colour as i did
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ěâṟpħǒṉęš" I bought my first Walkman when i was thirteen. It was pink though i think the marketing said it was a reddish colour mine was definitely pink. I liked the colour as i did most colours as they were a sharp contrast to the world i was seeing everyday. Train stations and suits mostly, outside of my destinations that is. The bus stop at Chatswood train station was underneath a shopping centre of sorts and was dark and noisy. I started listening to the radio on the way to school, commercial triple m though i wish i found triple j earlier but mmm got me through the first part of high school. With my earphones in and my reflective sunglasses on, i could escape the world which i didn't seem to fit in well with and create my own little bubble where i could watch without being seen watching and listen when i wanted to hear, noise cancelling was a way off yet. Looking back i think this is the formation of one of my oldest habits, how i felt safer when out and about. I walked a bit funny and so would often get looks that i didn't like. I was learning quite quickly that i had two characteristics that the world seemed to have terrible with, being disabled and being Jewish. So i started to hide behind my new accessories and just watching and listening, careful to avoid conflict which caused me trouble before my communication skills started to improve. I still hide behind my glasses and earphones, they have become part of me. #project117 #hide #protect #sunnies #earphones
Resilience diary - pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ǒpėŋ" Finding books written by people decades and centuries before me asking the same existential questions that I was starting to think about happened at the same time i started my religious s
Resilience diary - pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ǒpėŋ" Finding books written by people decades and centuries before me asking the same existential questions that I was starting to think about happened at the same time i started my religious studies for my bar mitzvah. By the time of the big day I was excited as this was a community that was supporting me more than i realised at the time. I was not just studying but also started to teach at the Sunday school where I'd spent a few years already. It was a great atmosphere led by a great rabbi who helped me stay to work out the direction i wanted to go mentally and belief wise. Unfortunately for him I think i had too many questions and gradually found my religious beliefs not in line with what i was learning elsewhere. It was complicated as i think for most people, without any alternative information i was quite happy where i was, inquisitive as i was i was lucky to live in a place and time where i could safely explore other communities. Much of my ethics though I think cone from this period of time though, where i was learning how different people from different times all deal with the subject of what am i, what do i do, and of course the why, a question that has sent me spiralling many times. Thirteen was a turning point for me. I wanted to know more so after my bar Mitzvah i continued to study and try to understand what i wanted to commit to. What i did say least i tried, was to be more open minded and find bits and pieces from many sources to apply to my thoughts and actions. There are biases throughout which some i find ok and others the contradictions to much and i need to choose, or i take that amazing human gift and try both or all contradictions for a while and see where i end up. I was interested in life, that has been foundational. #project117 #luck #open #change #growth
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵòôşħ" In the summer after school Dad would sometimes take us up to the local golf course where we'd get as many holes in before it got too dark. The course was usually closed allowi
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵòôşħ" In the summer after school Dad would sometimes take us up to the local golf course where we'd get as many holes in before it got too dark. The course was usually closed allowing me and sometimes my brother to learn without annoying anyone. They were fun evenings chasing a ball around. It was s rough public course with luck often playing a part in the success of the game. I can still walk in my mind the first 9 holes which I find quite interesting as the course was changed many years ago now. I was quite the busy kid back then spending almost all my time outside doing something. I had to stop golf a few years ago as my body can't handle the physics anymore. I played with dad a lot through my life across a number of countries. He still gets out occasionally and will happily chat about his game that day for as long as I'll listen. Happy memories, good for when I'm crook in bed. #project117 #dad #golf #sport #active
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵèíğħ" I was a very skinny kid and remained so for many years. My doctor back then suggested i stay under 80kg to give my knees their best chance which i managed until recently. At
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵèíğħ" I was a very skinny kid and remained so for many years. My doctor back then suggested i stay under 80kg to give my knees their best chance which i managed until recently. At thirteen i weighed 28kg and would be blown backwards by a passing train when standing on the platform. When i went camping i would lose weight so quickly as well, coming home a few kg lighter for a week long trip. I would eat, just didn't like much food. I was pretty basic, enjoying bread, cheese, meat and anything with sugar. Nothing needed to be fancy cooked, and mostly i lived off weetbix and bread. Fruit and veg never caught my attention and most generally don't enjoy the taste of. I had enough energy though, plenty of it at the start of the day that would fade quickly towards the end allowing me to sleep. I never drank much water either, or anything. I remember going on hikes and never refilling my water bottle. I never fit in with food or body size, not that it bothered me much, i chomped on what i liked and did lots of stuff. I'm losing weight again recently with not much reason why, i need to change my diet to give this body a chance of not getting too sick and am doing ok oddly enough. I still don't like food but when motivated i can become quite stubborn, which when used well can help me quite a bit. I'm nearly back to my target weight which is good just not the way it's happening. My back is a disaster too and I'm starting to stretch more in the hope that doesn't need surgery. The level of pain is telling me otherwise but I'm good at enduring pain i guess. Got lots to do too and hope i can reignite that part of my life again. I can't sit still forever as I'm falling to pieces doing so. Bloody hard though #project117 #nps #nailpatellasyndrome #bodies
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Èḏüćáṯıǒn" As i entered high school my attitude towards education was still mixed and hasn't really changed since. After being held back a year to move to the new school Glena
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Èḏüćáṯıǒn" As i entered high school my attitude towards education was still mixed and hasn't really changed since. After being held back a year to move to the new school Glenaeon, I felt a little strange seeing my old class mates who also moved across be in different classes and social groups. I meanwhile tried to find my place in an existing group that had already established connections. I found the classes editable though and for the most part did ok. Subjects were made interesting by the school structure and use of only coloured pencils until year 8. I still didn't do my homework though as i was finding that what i learnt at school wasn't really applicable in the real world except for some things like English and maths which i wish i spent more time learning maths. When it came to choosing subjects though, due to the demand and roster decided upon, i got one of my 6 choices and so basically gave up on school altogether. I didn't see the point of learning subjects i had no interest in, which could be seen as not willing to study but i was learning so much outside of school that helped me with what i needed to know, how to survive in a world where I didn't know how long i would be able to work for. The Concept of uni faded as the structured style didn't suit my specific interests. I started to read philosophy more and more and find that was more useful in trying to understand my place in the world and how to survive with so many barriers. I stopped work at 39 so my fears were justified, somehow i managed to have a variety of careers as i fought my body. I also felt i knew I'd be an artist but needed to experience as much as i could before i could create. I needed understanding to then be able to explore. So i found my own way to learn what i thought i needed to know and shut out anything that potentially would waste my time. Arrogance and confidence that was being supported by my extracurricular activities. Temple was a big one too as my best mitzvah was coming up. But scouts held me through until i could stand on my own. #project117 #class #learning #educate #selflearn
Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ěâṟpħǒṉęš" I bought my first Walkman when i was thirteen. It was pink though i think the marketing said it was a reddish colour mine was definitely pink. I liked the colour as i did Resilience diary - pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ǒpėŋ" Finding books written by people decades and centuries before me asking the same existential questions that I was starting to think about happened at the same time i started my religious s Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵòôşħ" In the summer after school Dad would sometimes take us up to the local golf course where we'd get as many holes in before it got too dark. The course was usually closed allowi Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Ŵèíğħ" I was a very skinny kid and remained so for many years. My doctor back then suggested i stay under 80kg to give my knees their best chance which i managed until recently. At Resilience diary- pain today: 7/10. Photo: "Èḏüćáṯıǒn" As i entered high school my attitude towards education was still mixed and hasn't really changed since. After being held back a year to move to the new school Glena