Items · Disability Arts History Australia

Tina is a writer, actor, film maker and disability advocate Interview Summary Tina is an actress with Down Syndrome who identifies strongly with her art form, viewing her disability as an ability that enhances her talent and quality in storytelling through acting. She enjoys the process of acting and finds joy in watching her family perform, which inspired her to pursue the craft; however, she acknowledges that there are difficult moments that can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Her artistic journey has involved working with various local companies in Perth and her work has evolved by adapting to new roles, with the aim of authenticity in her performances. Tina's influence and acknowledgment in the field are growing, noted by positive media attention, and she encourages other artists with disabilities to embrace and identify with their unique abilities.

"Interview with Julie Moralee"

Julie Moralee is the Chief Executive Officer of Restless Dance Theatre, bringing a wealth of experience in marketing, business development, and festival organisation within the arts sector. Her leadership focuses on showcasing the talents of artists with disability and ensuring sustainable employment opportunities in the arts. Interview Summary Julie Moralee is the CEO of Restless Dance Theatre, where she has focused on promoting the talent and abilities of artists with disability. With a commitment to ensuring sustainable full-time employment in the arts for these artists, she emphasises the importance of audience impact and high-quality performances as measures of success. Julie is mindful of the challenges and perceptions within the disability arts sector and envisions a future where the label "disability art" becomes obsolete, as the quality of the work transcends its creators

"Interview with Peter Vance"

Peter Vance is a singer, songwriter, musician, performer, facilitator and disability arts advocate. Interview Summary: Peter Vance is a songwriter, performer, musician and singer. Peter suggested disability arts in the last 20 years has become more visible and popular reflecting a positive shift in how society views disability as part of the rich tapestry of human experience. This is reflected in how the arts now tell the stories of individuals with disabilities, not simply as artists with a disability, but as whole people whose varied experiences - visible and invisible - inform and enrich their creative expression. However, there are still challenges with funding and accessibility and ongoing struggles for recognition and support of disability art. Changes in how organisations operate to suit new funding such as the NDIS have potentially limited the spontaneity and personal touch that smaller, community-driven organizations once offered. Peter said it is essential to continue to push for better understanding, support, and visibility for people with all kinds of disabilities in every aspect of life, including the arts, to truly embrace inclusivity.

"Interview with CB Mako"

CB Mako is a non-fiction, fiction and fanfiction writer and disability advocate. Interview Summary cubbie||CB Mako is a creative practitioner and disability advocate who emphasizes the importance of accessibility in the arts, advocating for digital inclusivity and the elimination of ableist practices. cubbie pushes for systemic change so that future generations, like their disabled child, don't have to fight for access to art and literature. Success for cubbie is defined by the progress made when institutions include disability in their funding, competitions, and programming. Using the pen name CB Mako and going by pronouns cubbie/they/them, urges non-disabled artists, particularly from communities of colour, to proactively incorporate access in their work.

"Interview with Darcy Carpenter"

Darcy Carpenter is a professional dancer and has performed with Restless Dance Theatre since 2014. Interview Summary: Darcy is a professional dancer with a family history in dance, who works with Restless Dance Theatre and has worked with the Riverland Youth Theatre. Darcy expressed her passion for dance and acting, mentioning her desire to share emotional experiences with her audience and her personal growth as an artist through the support of Restless Dance Theatre organisation. Throughout the interview, Darcy’s pride as a third-generation dancer shone through, along with her aspirations to continue developing her artistry.