Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• "House Gang - IMDB"
  Reads, in part "House Gang is an energetic and irreverent domestic comedy with a naughty sense of fun. Featuring three remarkable young actors, each with an intellectual disability, it takes an unconventional look at "family" in the 90s. Above all else House Gang celebrates diversity-you don't need to have a disability to be challenged by the problems of modern life. And being "normal" doesn't give us sole rights on love, sex, ambition, or laughter."
• "Dance Me To My Song - IMDB"
  Dance me to my song' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "A woman with cerebral palsy communicates with the world via her computer with a voice box. Her caretaker is a short-tempered woman who begrudges the woman the care she needs"
• "My Brother Vinnie - IMDB"
  My Brother Vinnie' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry
• "Audrey - IMDB"
  Audrey' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "Self-appointed Mother of the Year, Ronnie has given her daughter Audrey everything, so when Audrey selfishly falls into a coma, Ronnie has no choice but to keep their dreams alive by assuming her identity."
• "Alicia - IMDB"
  reads, in part "Seven years earlier, an 18 year ALICIA was seriously injured in a car accident. It was her brain rather than her body which suffered. This tells the story of her long journey of recovery. Not content with just regaining a 'normal life', Alicia pursues her original dream of becoming an actress."
• "It's Fine, I'm Fine - IMDB"
  It's Fine, I'm Fine' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "A suburban psychologist and her patients explore love, loss, obsession, anxiety, and an uncertain future, while grappling with how to persist and find magic in the world."
• "Quentin: World at My Wheels - IMDB"
  Reads, in part "A documentary on Quentin Kenihan, An Adelaide man born with Osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder in which bones break easily."
• "Latecomers - IMDB"
  Latecomers' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "Frank and Sarah two strangers with cerebral palsy become entrenched in each other's dysfunctional lives after witnessing their able bodied friends in an awkward situation at a bar."
• "This is Going to Be Big - IMDB"
  This is going to be big' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "A humorous and heart-warming coming of age story unfolds when a cast of neurodiverse teenagers confront their own challenges, dreams and desires as they prepare for their first high school musical."
• "Austin - IMBD"
  Austin' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "When author Julian's offensive post goes viral, his career seems over until his neuro divergent son Austin suddenly arrives. Embracing Austin may be Julian's path to redemption if he and wife Ingrid can move past his mistakes."
• "Headliners - IMBD"
  Headliners' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "Musician and fervent campaigner for inclusion, access and equality, Elly-May Barnes leads the quest to create two bands made up entirely of musicians living with disability."
• "Filming Our Future: Our Choice, Our Voice, Our Way - IMDB"
  "Filming Our Future: Our Choice, Our Voice, Our Way' Internet Movie Database (IMDB entry - reads in part "Mark lost his leg in a motorbike accident in between tours with the Navy. Now he works to change how people think about living with physical challenges by running the paracanoe sessions at Ascot Kayak Club."
• "Hardball - IMDB"
  Hardball' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - Hardball follows fish out of water Mikey and his two misfit mates, Salwa and Jerry. Their goal - Make Mikey the sweetest-bestest-acest handball champ Western Sydney's ever seen."
• "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 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.
• "Interview with Janice Florence"
  Janice Florence is a performing artist and disability advocate. She originally trained as a Teacher and Librarian. Janice has worked in Education and Libraries for many years and in disability advocacy for 20 years She has worked in Training and Consultation at Arts Access Vic for 12 years. Janice has been involved in theatre, dance and human movement for over 35 years. For 25 years she has been the Artistic Director of Weave Movement Theatre, comprising disabled and non-disabled performers. Weave has produced many devised original works often with respected performing artists as collaborators. She was the inaugural recipient of the Australia Council Awards for Disability Arts-Established Artist in 2019. Interview Summary Janice Florence is a veteran performer and Artistic Director of Weave Movement Theatre, which includes disabled performers. During the interview, Janice reflected on her extensive history with dance, both prior to and after acquiring her disability, highlighting the significance of political and personal themes, as well as the use of humour in her work. She discussed the ongoing challenges in securing accessible rehearsal and performance spaces, along with the complexities of funding and recognition within the Disability Arts scene in Australia. Janice also acknowledged the importance of Disability Arts historically and its potential for challenging societal expectations regarding disability.
• "Interview with Gayle Kennedy"
• "Interview with Alison Richardson"
  Alison Richardson is an ally and advocate for people with disability with experience as an inclusive arts organisation artistic director and access and inclusion officer. Interview Summary Alison Richardson, artistic director and CEO of Crossroad Arts at the time of the interview, has had a 25-year journey through the fields of drama, theatre, and inclusive arts, starting in Sydney and leading to her role in Mackay, Queensland. Her work began by engaging with diverse young people and evolved into a focus on disability arts, recognising a gap in services and opportunities for people with disabilities in artistic expression. Throughout her career, she has witnessed and contributed to the gradual increase in visibility and opportunities for artists with disabilities, acknowledging the fluctuating support and funding in the sector. Despite challenges, Alison has observed progress in how disability arts are valued and the emergence of conversations around identity and representation within this community.
• "Interview with Michèle Saint-Yves"
  Michèle Saint-Yves is a playwright, filmmaker, poet, and director. Interview Summary Michèle Saint-Yves’ background includes a colonial upbringing in Pacific territories, a Scottish boarding school education, and a complex personal journey of confronting her own inherent racism and colonial legacy, particularly through her writing. Her work as an artist with disability is deeply informed by her sense of otherness and focuses on creating inclusive performance-based work that challenges mainstream audiences and systems, aiming for transformative experiences that impact disability justice and community. Michèle actively embraced the social model of disability, which shifted her understanding of herself and her art, and has received recognition for her pioneering work with the prize-winning show "Clock for No Time." However, recognising the social model’s limitations, her current creative endeavours are concerned with 'access intimacy' and evaluating the lasting impact of her performances, in collaboration with other artists and through research grants.
• "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 Michael Hodyl"
  Michael Hodyl is a multifaceted artist, dancer and performer and has been with Restless Dance Theatre since 2018. Interview Summary Michael Hodyl, with Polish, Chinese, and Russian heritage, is a multifaceted artist who began his journey in the performing arts with a deep-rooted affinity for ballroom dancing. He transitioned into contemporary dance while maintaining his diverse dancing background and enjoys creating his own dance moves, which express his vibrant charisma and heritage. Facing challenges such as injuries, Michael finds ways to recuperate and return to dance, aiming to elicit happiness and pride from his audience through his performances. He cherishes the supportive friendships he's made in the arts community, holds his performances in high regard, and aspires to be recognized for his talents and hard work.
• "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.
• "Accessible Arts - ACE Arts Creativity Expression - Article: Video Making Project At Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre - Iss15, Pg9"
  Accessible Arts - ACE Arts Creativity Expression - Article: Video Making Project At Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre - Iss15, Pg9
• "Accessible Arts - ACE Arts Creativity Expression -1998 Sum - Iss3"
  Accessible Arts - ACE Arts Creativity Expression News Publication issue 2 Summer 1998 - information/reviews of Creative Writing, Music, Dance, Theatre and Performance programs,opportunities, resources
• "Arts Disability Technology Library Program"
  Library access, equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination seminar and presentation sessions