Items · Disability Arts History Australia

Back to Back Theatre You Tube - Ganesh vs the Third Reich (2011) - reads, in part "GANESH VERSUS THE THIRD REICH is poignant, beautiful, disarming, full of vulnerability and sly transparency."

Image of Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Dot to Dot', captured 2020

"Restless Dance - Dot to Dot"

Restless Dance Theatre website, 'Dot to Dot', captured 2020 - reads, in part "The Dot To Dot project is a series of workshops aimed at broadening awareness, developing skills and teaching how to run accessible and inclusive performing arts workshops."

"Interview with Kate Larsen"

Kate Larsen (she/her) is a writer, consultant, leader and advocate with Australian and international experience in the arts and disability sector. Interview Summary Kate Larsen (she/her) is a recognised arts and disability advocate who emphasises the importance and inherent politics of self-expression and access in the arts. A non-disabled ally, Kate was influenced to pursue a career in the sector by the profound impact of learning about the social model of disability, which sparked a commitment to creating opportunities for and by disabled individuals. Larsen's work has involved fostering leadership among disabled artists and arts workers, advocating for disability-led organisations, and driving systemic change within Australia’s arts and cultural sector. She hopes to see continued progress towards equity and representation in the arts, with the NDIS playing a crucial role, and an increased presence of disabled artists, arts workers and leaders in mainstream organisations.

"Interview with Jeff Usher"

Jeff Usher is a jazz and blues composer, arranger, pianist, vocalist, teacher, lecturer, and music consultant. Interview Summary Jeff Usher is a visually impaired Australian jazz musician with a rich history of playing music since childhood, influenced by a significant early encounter with the Jazz Action Society and key individuals like his high school music teacher Kathleen Kerr and his supportive family. Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse range of musicians across many genres, including country, rock, and church music, and has expanded his repertoire to include political and spiritual themes, often infused with his synaesthetic experience of colour. Despite a broad professional experience, his engagement with the disability arts space developed over time, particularly through collaboration with other disabled artists, and he values working with good artists regardless of their backgrounds or disabilities. He is deeply committed to his craft, finding a balance between the aesthetic quality of his work and the joy it brings, both to himself and his audiences.

"Interview with Mike Moshos"

Mike Moshos is a creative director, writer, actor and disability advocate. Interview Summary Mike Moshos is an arts worker and creator living with achondroplasia who provides support to young adult artists with disabilities and engages in community theatre and interactive performances for children with special needs. His personal experiences and growing political awareness have led him to advocate for the rights of disabled individuals and strive for equity in the arts. Mike has a deep passion for storytelling and is currently writing a science fiction novel while enjoying his role as Bing in an interactive children's show. He believes that all art is inherently political and that every piece of work, whether overtly or subtly, expresses a stance on societal issues.