Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• Liz Ferrier
• Llewellyn Whishart
• Lyndsay Mason
• Kerreen Ely-Harper
• Kerreen Ely Harper
• Keith Blackmore
• Katie Ellis
• Kate Sulan
• Kath Duncan
• Karen Crome
• Jung Yoon
• Jung Hyoung Yoon
• "Interview with Veronica Pardo"
  Veronica Pardo is a disability arts ally and has been a disability advocate with previous leadership positions in organisations such as Arts Access Victoria and Multicultural Arts Victoria, Interview Summary Veronica Pardo, former Executive Director of Arts Access Victoria, discussed the evolution and impact of Disability Arts in Australia, detailing the political dimensions of the field and the importance of genuine representation and intersectionality. Pardo highlighted the importance of leadership transitions in arts organizations informed by a spirit of solidarity and mutual support, particularly citing Caroline Bowditch's role as significant in the sector. She emphasized a need for systems-level change within the arts to reflect true diversity, beyond tokenism, advocating for dismantling exclusive structures and creating new ones informed by those marginalized. Finally, Pardo stressed the importance of acknowledging the work of predecessors in Disability Arts to honour their legacy and inform current artistic and cultural practices.
• "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 Jianna Georgiou"
  Jianna Georgiou is a professional dancer, director and choreographer and has been with Restless Dance since 2006. Interview Summary Jianna Georgiou, who has Italian and Cypriot heritage, shared her journey as a dancer. She expressed her aspirations to collaborate with friends from other dance companies and emphasized her desire to continue her path with Restless Dance Theatre. Jianna’s determination remains strong, fuelled by her goal to perform and the emotional connection she feels through dance. She hopes to explore various dance styles, including hip-hop, which currently resonates with her, and she is motivated by the creative and energetic environment at Restless Dance Theatre.
• "Interview with Alison Bennett"
  Dr Alison Bennett is a senior lecturer in photography at RMIT School of Art specialising in expanded photography, webXR, queer and feminist creative practices. Interview Summary Alison Bennett, an artist and academic, spoke about her work in expanded photography, their experiences with autism, and the intersection of disability discourse with queer activism in their life and work. Their current project, vegetal/digital, arose from their experiences during the pandemic and connects audiences with plant sentience through interactive digital art. Alison also discussed the political nature of their work, aiming to shift ontological frameworks and exploring new modes of engagement through art. They reflected on the significant cultural changes regarding neurodiversity in the last few decades, highlighting the growing self-advocacy among autistic artists and their increasing impact in the arts.
• "Interview with Emiko Artemis"
  Dr Emiko Artemis is a visual artist with a PhD and a history of both solo and group exhibitions. Interview Summary Emiko Artemis identifies as a non-binary queer disabled visual artist. Emiko acknowledges their work essentially reflects their personal experiences with disability and comments on society. Despite interpersonal challenges due to disabilities, Emiko cherishes occasional collaborations, facilitated by clear structures or supportive relationships. Their artwork, often seen as "weird" to the public, aims to be thought-provoking rather than being particularly political. Emiko values the growing visibility of disability in the arts and the increase in acceptance of diversity in society. They proudly embrace their own identity as an integral aspect of their creative practice
• Julie Higginbotham
• Julia Hales
• John Harwood
• Joe Conforto
• Joan Stapelton
• Joan Lock
• Joan Gray
• Jess Kapuscinski-Evans