Creative Australia has announced the delivery partners who will lead national initiatives to improve access and inclusion across creative industries and workplaces, as part of the Australian Government’s Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan, developed in partnership with the Office for the Arts, and in consultation with Screen Australia.
Leading the development and stewardship of a new National Arts and Disability Code of Practice and/or appropriate Guidelines is Accessible Arts, in partnership with Morwenna Collett and Inclusively Made. The new national Code and/or Guidelines will set the access and representation expectations for the arts, cultural, screen and digital games sectors, recognising the environments these sectors operate in as workplaces.
The newly established Disabled Creative Collective will deliver a series of ‘EquiArts’ national forums and gatherings focused on supporting d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers to build their leadership, skills and networks. The Collective brings together leaders including Chanel Bowen from Norfolk Pictures, Stephanie Dower from Dower Productions, Aimee Huxley from Inclusive Consulting, and Henry Smith and Paul Nunnari from Inclusively Made.
Creative Australia’s Disability Programs Manager, Margaret Mayhew, said:
"The national forums and gatherings and code of practice are led by d/Deaf and disabled artists and advocates. They will support more inclusive workplaces and creative environments across the country.”
Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Sarah-Mace Dennis as the National Director of the Arts and Disability Network (ADNA), supported by Creative Australia as a key component of the Arts and Disability Associated Plan. Sarah brings more than 20 years’ experiences across the arts, education, screen and community engagement sectors. She has taught creative research and practice at universities in Australia and the UK, and collaborated with disabled artists to co-create films, exhibitions and advertising campaigns for major international festivals and global brands.
Since November 2024, the Office for the Arts and Creative Australia have been implementing Equity in consultation with Screen Australia and as a supporting document for Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 and Australia’s Cultural Policy, Revive.
Media contacts:
Brianna Roberts,
Media Manager, Creative Australia
Mobile: 0498 123 541
Email: brianna.roberts@creative.gov.au
