Disability Arts History Australia

Items

• Victoria Thompson
• "A Month Of Mayhem"
  RealTime article on A Month of Mayhem, "A program of screenings, exhibitions, performances, seminars, and workshops by Deaf and colourblind artists for all audiences," presented by Access2Arts, in partnership with Adelaide Film Festival, Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT), Arts Access Australia, Unlimited UK, Tutti Arts, Sit Down Shut Up and Watch Film Festival
• "Access Arts - YouTube Undercover Artist Festival - 2021"
  Access Arts - You Tube - Undercover Artist Festival 2021 - reads, in part "Undercover Artist was developed by Access Arts who have been working to support people with disability to take part and excel in the arts for more than 38 years"
• "Access Arts - You Tube - Undercover Artist Festival 2015 - Captured in Three Minutes"
  Access Arts - You Tube - Undercover Artist Festival 2015 in 3 minutes
• "Back to Back Theatre - Website - BriefHistory, captured 2008"
  Back to Back Theatre 'Brief History' page, with PDF document of history captured 2008 - reads, in part "Back to Back Theatre evolved out a community arts project that began in Geelong in 1987. The project included disability service providers Corilong and Karingal, the Geelong Children's and Youth Support Services (CYSS) and Deakin University's Performing Arts Course (attached to the Mill Theatre) Individual artists and other members of the Geelong community were also involved." Includes list of Professional Productions (including ‘Big Bag’ 1987-88; ‘Stinking Houses’ 1989; ‘The Peg Machine’ 1990; ‘Everything and the Mermaid’ 1990, ‘I Don’t Want to Live in Lara Anymore 1991; ‘Yell Blue Murder’ 1991; ‘Woodenhead’ 1992; ‘The Adventures of Bobbi Dazzler’ 1992; ‘Voices of Desire’ 1993; ‘Freak Show with Circus Oz 1994; Back to Back in Shorts 1995; Road Movie with Melbourne Workers Theatre 1996; Minds Eye with Handspan Visual Theatre 1996; Peter Pan with Arena Theatre Company 1997; Mr September 1997; Boomtown with Snuff Puppets 1998; Mental 1999; Dog Farm 2000; Pornstar 2001; Soft 2002; Cow 2003; Small Metal Objects 2005), and Community Productions (including Ritual with Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College 1998; Push Push 1999; Drag Racers in Love with Nelson Park School 1999; Arnold 2000 Fishman with Theatre of Speed 2001; Inside the Angel House with Theatre of Speed 2003; Minotaur with Theatre of Speed 2005; DMI with Theatre of Speed 2007; Pod Residences with Night School, Awakenings Festival, Brr Theatre Group, Ants Pantz Arts, Break of Day Players, Theatre of Speed, Arts Action and Amalgamation Festival 2003-2006), and films (including Mullet (1995), White Maggots (1996), Spill (1997), Mark Deans Human Cannonball (1998), Underpants (1999), Backscratch (2000), Porn Star (2002), Rhian Hinkley Theatre of Speed vs. BOZ'n'HOK, vs. HUGE COVILL (2004), D9 (2005), Out of our Minds (2001)).
• "Access Arts - Members Profiles 2009"
  Access Arts member profiles, captured 2009
• "Interview with Morwenna Collett"
  Morwenna is a leader, consultant and facilitator in the arts, government, not-for-profit and university sectors and is passionate about helping arts and cultural organisations to include everyone in their work. Interview Summary Morwenna Collett is a consultant in diversity, access and inclusion and during the interview discusses her vast experience in the disability arts sector including time in the Australia Council where she played a key role in creating the first targeted funding program for artists with disabilities. Morwenna notes that while disability arts is gaining some awareness with mainstream audiences, there are still issues regarding how people think about the quality of art created by artists with disabilities. Morwenna highlights the NDIS as a significant milestone for disability arts in Australia, though she believes that there is much more potential for arts organizations to engage with it. Morwenna also emphasizes that the decision for artists to identify with their disability is a personal choice and it is becoming increasingly safe to disclose this identity, demonstrating progress toward inclusion in the arts.
• "Interview with Janelle Colquhoun"
  Janelle Colquhoun is an opera-jazz singer; corporate and community speaker; MC; producer; and writer. Interview Summary Janelle Colquhoun is a passionate and dedicated former opera singer, who in the interview speaks about, starting an entertainment agency to provide professional opportunities for artists with disabilities after losing her sight. She has produced over 1400 events, performed in a variety of concerts, and worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity in the arts, often by showcasing talented disabled artists to mainstream audiences. Janelle talks about how her work challenges the way people think about disability arts and inclusion, and strives to give equal performing opportunities by advocating for the recognition of artists with disabilities as professionals with the same quality of performance as any other artist.
• "Interview with Gayle Kennedy"
• "Interview with Sofya Gollan"
  Sofya Gollan is a distinguished artist, screenwriter, filmmaker and cultural leader in advocating for the Deaf and disabled communities. Interview Summary Sofya Gollan is a versatile and experienced artist with a background in acting, writing, directing, and producing, known for her work in theatre, film, and television, and for navigating the industry as a deaf individual. Her journey into the arts began with her involvement in the Australian Theatre of the Deaf and further developed as she trained at prestigious institutions like NIDA and AFTRS, where she expanded her skills in filmmaking. Despite facing challenges and ableism within the industry, Gollan has made significant contributions to disability representation on screen, and highlights the need for ongoing support and funding for disabled artists to promote equity and access to opportunities. Returning as creative practitioner to the industry after an executive role, Gollan continues to advocate for inclusivity and representation, while aiming to create and share content that authentically reflects the deaf experience.
• "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.
• "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 Tina Fielding"
  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 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.
• "Rawcus - The Heart of Another is A Dark Forrest - Melbourne Fringe Festival Program Entry"
  Melbourne Fringe Festival program entry for Rawcus work 'The Heart of Another is a Dark Forrest'
• “Restless Dance – Exposed Program Seoul International Dance Festival"
  Restless Dance Theatre "Exposed" Program Seoul International Dance Festival - reads, in part "<Exposed>, directed by Michelle Ryan is a new work exploring vulnerability, uncertainty and risk through movement, design, and music. Be taken on a journey where the breath is a metaphor for feeling threatened or safe, agitated or calm, and the sonic possibilities of breath are entwined into the mesmerising score."
• “Restless Dance – Exposed Promotional Poster Seoul International Dance Festival"
  Restless Dance Theatre "Exposed" Promotional Poster Seoul International Dance Festival
• “Tutti Arts – 10th Anniversary Report”
  Tutti Arts 10th Anniversary Report 2007 - Messages from Patron, President, and Artistic Director, information about shows ‘My Life, My Love,’ ‘The Singing of Angels,’ ‘Circles,’ ‘The Laughter Project,’ ‘Northern Lights, Southern Cross’
• "Tutti Ensemble - Holdfast Choir - HighBeam Festival Concert 2002 - Invitation"
  Tutti Ensemble Holdfast Choir - HighBeam Festival Concert 2002 - Invitation
• "Tutti Ensemble - Holdfast Choir - HighBeam Festival Concert 2002 - Invitation Card"
  Tutti Ensemble Holdfast Choir - HighBeam Festival Concert 2002 - Invitation Card
• "Bree Hadley (2017) Disability theatre in Australia: a survey and a sector ecology. Research in Drama Education, 22(3), pp. 305-324.”
• Indelability Arts
• Inside Out Dance
• Crossroad Arts
• The Sunshine Troupe