Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• John Olsen
• Jim Longley
• Jeanette McHugh
• Helen Connors
• Finn O'Branagain
• Dale Frank
• Debra Pahl
• David Urquhart
• David Serisier
• "Interview with Roz Hervey"
  Roz Hervey is a Creative Producer with Restless Dance Theatre and is also a director, dance theatre performer and lecturer. Interview Summary: Roz Hervey, the creative producer of Restless Dance in Adelaide, previously worked as a dancer and dance theatre artist in Australia and the UK. Her approach with Restless Dance involves creating personal and reflective dance theatre by giving dancers specific tasks. Roz does not view the performers as disabled but as exceptional artists telling unique stories, and she aspires to change societal attitudes and encourage diversity in art. Despite progressing towards inclusive perceptions, she still encounters patronizing attitudes and misconceptions about artists with disabilities.
• "Interview with Nick Hughes"
  Nick has worked as an actor, director, writer, artistic director, dramaturg and was the Company Manager for Restless Dance Theatre Interview Summary Nick Hughes is a retired arts administrator who has worked in various capacities within the arts industry, including as an actor, writer, stage manager, and notably as the company manager for Restless Dance Theatre. Nick gained degrees in drama, and sociology, and moved from the UK to Australia in 1973. During the interview, Nick reflects on his significant contributions to the arts and disability sectors. Despite being unfamiliar with disability arts in the beginning, Nick says he became deeply involved and committed to the field, valuing disability arts for the social and political aspects. Nick discusses witnessing first-hand the growth and development of individuals through creative expression. Throughout his career, Nick says he has seen the evolution and increasing recognition of disability arts as a legitimate and powerful art form capable of altering people’s perceptions and advocating for inclusivity and equality in society.
• Colin Lanceley
• Clare Watson
• "Arts in Action Annual Report 2005"
  Arts in Action Annual Report 2005, describing the organisation’s work, including an artistic program with visual arts workshops, music club and choir, and a new mentoring program.
• Bob McMullin
• Barbara Blackman
• Anne Graham
• Alun Leach-Jones
• "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 Digby Webster"
  Digby Webster is a visual artist working with the mediums of oil pastels and acrylics and is also a performer, designer and co-founding member of past performance ensemble Ruckus Ensemble. Interview Summary Digby Webster is an artist with a wide range of creative talents, including theater, dance, animation, and mural painting. He has worked on various projects, including an animated short film called "Blockhead and Sparkles," and has had his artwork displayed in places like the Sydney Olympic Park and Vivid Sydney. Digby does not define himself by his disability and takes pride in the various creative endeavors he's involved in, aiming to have his art reach people in meaningful ways outside traditional galleries. In the future, he is interested in exploring fashion, designing artwork for clothing, and he hopes to see more people wearing his art.
• "Interview with Graham Wilfred Junior"
  Graham Wilfred Junior is a Yolngu man and artist with Incite Arts where he works with different mediums including filmmaking, writing, performing and music. Interview Summary Graham, an emerging artist with spina bifida whose father inspired his passion for art, has pursued various art forms including painting, music, and digital art, now calls Mparntwe/Alice Springs home, and is venturing into theatre and filmmaking. His digital artwork, through the creation of the indigemoji app, helps teach the Arrernte, the language of the First Nations people of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. He now seeks to expand his impact through acting and creating films. Graham's motivation is to both celebrate and inspire people with disability, aiming for recognition as an artist rather than focusing solely on his disability. Graham shares his journey with Incite Arts, highlighting his involvement in music workshops, acting classes and script development, emphasizing the importance of representation and empowerment for individuals with disability. Ultimately, he aims to document his experiences and create impactful performances that leave a legacy to encourage others to pick up where he leaves off, ensuring the continuity of artistic expression within his community.
• “Studio A – Inside Studio A – Promotional Flyer 2020”
  Information about project 2020, in which creative producer Amelia B created "Inside Studio A" as an ‘about’ video featuring the work of artists, including interviews with Mathew Calandra, Thom Roberts, Catherine McGuiness, Jaycee Kim, and Meagan Pelham. Photograph by Cybele Malinowski.
• "The No Bang Theory - Presenter Pack"
  Presenter Pack for Indelability Arts show by Oliver Hetherington Page, The No Bang Theory - reads, in part, "Autistic performer/playwright Oliver Hetherington-Page is fed up with people thinking Sheldon Cooper somehow represents all people on the spectrum. He’s using Arts Queensland funding, show tunes and anecdotes to set the record straight. The No Bang Theory is a musical journey from dating disasters to diagnosis through #actuallyautistic eyes." The No Bang Theory was independently created by Oliver Hetherington-Page.
• “Studio A – And Romance Was Born - Promotional Card 2020"
  Information about Studio A collaboration with fashion design label Romance Was Born. Photograph by Tanja Bruckner.
• “Studio A – One Another Homewares – 2018”
  Information about a range of homewares, using hand weaving and embroidery, created by Studio A and in collaboration with One Another in 2018. Photograph by Rick Carter.