Veronica Pardo Executive Director Arts Access Victoria DANA 4 th National Disability Advocacy Conference April 30, 2012 Canberra

Art is something subversive… Pablo Picasso

About Arts Access Victoria For almost 40 years, Arts Access Victoria has been supporting the cultural participation of people with a disability as ARTISTS, AUDIENCES and ARTS WORKERS. We do this through advocacy; the delivery of outstanding arts programs; professional development programs for artists with a disability; sector development initiatives that build the capacity of the arts community to be more inclusive. Artist: Neil Parker

10 reasons why participation in arts and culture is important Research shows participation in arts and culture delivers: 1.Enjoyment that comes from engaging in an activity with creative outcomes 2.An increased sense of belonging to a group or community 3.The capacity to express or give voice to one’s own story 4.Enhanced social networks 5.Decreased social isolation 6.Increased employment outcomes 7.Enhanced educational performance 8.Enhanced health outcomes 9.Strengthened community cohesion 10.The production of amazing art that transforms our culture and illuminates our humanity. Photograph: Luke Toohey

What motivates us? With participation rates of only 30%, people with disabilities desire more engagement in arts and culture Photograph: Catherine Acin

What motivates us? The arts and cultural sector is enriched by the art that is created by people with disabilities Photograph: Adam Rozsa Artist: Joceline Lee

What motivates us? The arts tell our stories and shape our identity. People with disabilities want to see their stories reflected in cultural products and institutions, and be empowered to tell these stories Photo credit main image: Matt Nettheim Courtesy Restless Dance Company and Closer Productions

Advocacy in Arts and Culture Led by people with a disability Rights based – builds on the legal and policy frameworks that support inclusion and non-discrimination Engages many stakeholders Uses multiple art forms to communicate messages Dancers: Ross Onley-Zerkel and Lorraine Sorrono Photograph: Sean O’Carroll

Action on Cinema Access Photographs: Paul Dunn

Raw Law An innovative and fully accessible resource that protects the legal rights of artists with a disability including artists with mental health issues.

Nebula Nebula arrives in Melbourne! Fully portable and accessible art and performance space Exposes artists to new audiences Exposes communities to the issues facing artists with a disability Promotes innovation in problem solving about barriers to physical access

National Arts and Disability Strategy This campaign called for the implementation of the National Arts and Disability Strategy Activated thousands of supporters throughout the arts and disability community Has resulted in funding of six initiatives and ongoing support for national peak body Arts Access Australia Artist: Matthew Clarke

Outcomes of Advocacy Campaigns National Arts and Disability Strategy and commitment of $500,000 towards implementation Raw Law rolled out across Victoria $2.4 million for accessible cinema and increase from 0.3% to 20% of screenings to be accessible Single largest response to DDA exemption application Photograph: Jorge de Araujo

What is our advocacy focusing on now? Nationally $20 million over 4 years to implement the National Arts and Disability Strategy In Victoria $4 million over 4 years A dedicated funding program for artists with a disability A dedicated access fund for arts companies and projects focusing on increasing accessibility and audience development Support for sector capacity building including training, consultancy, and partnership development Support for career pathways including education and training opportunities, mentoring, internships, residencies Artist: Rudy Azzola

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