Items · Disability Arts History Australia

Pamela Hansen

Paul Hodges

Rhian Hinkley

Rhona Bester

Rhona Better

Simon Laherty

Stuart Purves AM

Timothy Charles Williams

Tim Williams

Yoni Prior

"Interview with Matthew Shilcock"

Matthew Shilcock is a stage and film performer, dancer, director, choreographer, producer, project planner, manager, consultant and disability advocate. Interview Summary Matthew Shilcock, a contemporary dancer, lives with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that led him to discover dance as an affordable alternative to physiotherapy. His 12-year dance career has been shaped by working with both disabled and non-disabled artists, including elite companies and individual dancers, where he found a passion for the unique problem-solving and rewarding experiences that come with working with disabled dancers. As he transitions from performer to dance maker, Matthew's motivation has shifted from personal excitement and self-discovery to a focus on the next generation, aiming to pass on his unique experiences and methodologies. He acknowledges that while being on stage as a disabled artist can be inherently political, he values his authenticity and the impact of his work over the perceptions and labels placed upon disability in the arts.

"Interview with Michelle Ryan"

Michelle Ryan is the artistic director of Restless Dance Theatre and has extensive experience as a dancer and performer. Interview Summary Michelle Ryan, the artistic director of Restless Dance Theatre, shares her journey from being a successful dancer diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 30 to becoming an advocate for artists with disabilities. Despite her initial hesitations to perform with her disability, a positive experience dancing with a European company reignited her passion and led her to Restless Dance Theatre, where she aims to change perceptions of who can create art. Michelle emphasizes the importance of providing professional opportunities and proper compensation for disabled artists, challenging the notion that disability work is charity or hobbyist. She advocates for representation that is genuine and not tokenistic, ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities is meaningful and respectful.

"Arts Project Australia - Annual Report 2007"

Arts Project Australia - Annual Report 2007 - Board, Staff and Volunteers, Supporters, About Arts Project Australia, President's Report, Director's Report, Studio Manager's Report, Exhibitions Report, Collections Report, Financial Report

"Back to Back Theatre - Small Metal Objects - Promotional Flyer"

Back to Back Theatre promotional flyer for Small Metal Objects (2005) - reads, in part, “small metal objects is the story of two invisible men and their inadvertent rol in the downfall of a business awards night. A funny and disturbing examination of our cultural and individual identity, or visibility determined by our capacity to produce.”

“2023 Screen industry report ‘Disability and Screen Work in Australia’ finds disabled people fulfil a range of roles in the screen industry, despite facing prejudice and exclusion, and should be treated as experts of their access requirements”

‘Disability and Screen Work in Australia: Report for Industry’ (2023) was compiled by researchers Radha O’Meara, Laura Dunstan, Anna Debinski and Catherine Ryan. The study was supported by Melbourne Disability Institute and A2K Media. The authors summarise that disabled people fulfil a range of roles in the screen industry, despite facing prejudice and exclusion, and should be treated as experts of their access requirements. They find that “Disabled people experience a more precarious, lower paid, and less powerful position in the screen industry than their non-disabled counterparts.” O’Meara and her colleagues call for widespread change in the industry to expand access.

Bell Shakespeare Company

CoMotion

Casula Powerhouse

Disability Arts Workers Network (DAWN)

Biennale of Sydney

Casula Powerhouse Museum

Kath Duncan

Kelly Drummond Cawthon

Adam van Kempen

Aldo Gennaro