Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• Carol Downey
• Jedda Belham
• Jedda Bellham
• Karen Brooks
• Samantha Marsh
• Tasneem Allie
• “‘Arts and Disability: A Research Report’ published in 1995”
  In 1995, ‘Arts and Disability: A Research Report’ was published. Des Walsh and Juliet London were commissioned by the Australia Council to prepare the report. However, they found little information that was relevant to the theme of the report. In addition to a review of existing literature, they met with people involved in arts organisations, disability organisations and organisations dedicated to both, as well as funding bodies. Walsh and London outlined the different ways that disabled people interact with the arts: as artists, consumers, and through art therapy. They also recognised the “negative or unduly limiting notions attached to arts in relation to disability” (12). Overall, they found “no conclusive evidence […of a] widely shared, articulated concept of a ‘disability arts’ movement in Australia” at that time. The report was intended to inform meaningful policy going forward. They made recommendations related to buildings and physical barriers, leadership, education and training and action plans.
• Alice Springs Youth Arts Group (ASYAG)
• InCite Youth Arts
• “Protesters gather in Lismore (NSW) to oppose proposed cuts to services”
  In 2004, 300 disabled persons, along with their relatives and carers, gathered in Lismore to protest proposed cuts to adult, training, learning, and support programs, among other services. These were a part of a series of demonstrations against the state government that included hundreds of demonstrators in Newcastle and resulted in the state government reversing its position on modifications to the Post-Schools Options Disability Program.
• "Accessible Arts - Annual Report 1994"
  Accessible Arts - Annual Report 1994 - Mission, Purpose, Aims, Background, Chairperson’s Report, Executive Officer’s Report, Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, Financials, New Resources
• “Arts Access Victoria EASE Entertainment Access Service Newsletter Summer 1994-1995"
  Arts Access Victoria EASE Entertainment Access Service Newsletter Summer 1994-1995 - Playhouse Access Policy, venue profile, CUB Malthouse, improved wheelchair seating at Melbourne Theatre Company Fairfax Theatre
• Restless Dance Company
• Restless Dance Theatre
• "Interview with Sofya Gollan"
  Sofya Gollan is a distinguished artist, screenwriter, filmmaker and cultural leader in advocating for the Deaf and disabled communities. Interview Summary Sofya Gollan is a versatile and experienced artist with a background in acting, writing, directing, and producing, known for her work in theatre, film, and television, and for navigating the industry as a deaf individual. Her journey into the arts began with her involvement in the Australian Theatre of the Deaf and further developed as she trained at prestigious institutions like NIDA and AFTRS, where she expanded her skills in filmmaking. Despite facing challenges and ableism within the industry, Gollan has made significant contributions to disability representation on screen, and highlights the need for ongoing support and funding for disabled artists to promote equity and access to opportunities. Returning as creative practitioner to the industry after an executive role, Gollan continues to advocate for inclusivity and representation, while aiming to create and share content that authentically reflects the deaf experience.
• “National Arts and Disability Strategy is launched in 2009”
  In 2009, the National Arts and Disability Strategy was agreed on by Australian Cultural Minister’s Council. The strategy sought to improve access and participation in the arts and identified four priority areas: barriers to access and participation, supporting the creative practice of artists with disability, developing audiences for disability arts practice, and strengthening policy and planning within governments.
• "Australia Council - Annual Report 2010-11"
  Australia Council Annual Report 2010-2011 – discusses year in review, letter from chairman, vision, list of council staff, message from the CEO, Strategic priorities, funding overview, statement of outcome, about the Australia Council including governance, boards, organisation, accountability, workplace; financial review and discussion of the Commonwealth Disability Strategy with a review of how the Disability Action Plan 2008–2010 addresses Australia Council roles of policy adviser, purchaser, provider and employer and how Council is committed to the National Arts and Disability Strategy adopted in October 2009 with ministers agreeing on four priority areas of action -addressing barriers, supporting practice, developing audiences and improving policy.
• Claire Teisen
• "DADAA Inc and Arts Access Australia (2012) public Art Works: Employment in the Arts for People with Disability.  http://www.dadaa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Art-Works-Full-Report-Web.pdf"
  Reads, in part "This document provides a short overview of the full Art Works report, which captures the results from national research into employment levels, barriers and strategies around employment in the arts for people with disability. The report was produced in response to one of the key focus areas of the National Arts and Disability Strategy, released in 2009."
• “1993 welfare report includes people with disability as one of four foci”
  ‘Australia's Welfare 1993: Services and Assistance’ was the first biennial report to include information on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Statistics on people with disability was one of four main areas. https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/aa045df7-78e3-465e-b4b5-079b6ae6ace8/aw93.pdf?v=20230605150811&inline=true
• "Interview with Luke Cambpell and Kelly Drummond Cawthon"
  Luke Campbell is a theatre performer, writer and director and has been with Second Echo since 2015. Interview Summary In the interview Luke Campbell and Kelly Drummond Cawthon from Second Echo Ensemble share insights into their creative processes and the significance of their work. Luke, a core artist for the ensemble, emphasizes the role of deep listening and communication in his art, comparing his work to a meditative exploration of sound and connection, akin to the themes in the movie "Avatar." Kelly, as the ensemble's creative director, highlights the importance of presenting their work across diverse platforms to reach broader audiences and foster inclusive discussions. Throughout the conversation, they express views on the challenges and perceptions surrounding disability arts, advocating for recognition of diverse voices and stories in the arts community.
• "The Australia Council establishes the Community Arts Committee in 1973 and the Community Arts Board in 1978"
  The Australia Council established the Community Arts Committee in 1973 and the Community Arts Board in 1978. The purpose of the latter was to encourage wider participation in the arts, especially for groups with little social capital. The Board was “the first funding body to identify the community arts phenomenon and respond with definition and policy." This occurred under the directorship of Rosalie Bower, the first director of the Community Arts Board, who wrote in a paper entitled 'The Case for a Community Arts Centre': “The activities within a centre should be accessible to children, aged people, the physically handicapped, ethnic groups and those whose time is severely restricted by work and family ties. The activities supplied by the centre should be conducted free from competitive elements which otherwise might discourage people from participation, and they must be inexpensive and accessible at almost any time. They must not pre-suppose education or income levels which would cut them off from any section of the community.'" (Australia Council 1979/1980 Annual Report, page 32)
• "Commonwealth of Australia (2024) Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan"
  "Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan (the Plan) was released on 14 November 2024. The Plan is a four-year roadmap of activities to build the foundations for equity for artists, arts workers and audiences with disability across Australia, with an $8.1 million investment in actions to drive change."
• Madeleine Little
• "The report Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia is published in 2009"
  In 2009, Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia was published. This report was commissioned by the Australian Government as part of the National Disability Strategy. It was prepared by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council.