General News
Arts Access Australia e-news May 2009
1.ARTS ACCESS AUSTRALIA NETWORK NEWS
1.1 Arts Access Australia new website
Arts Access Australia has launched a new website and invites your feedback. See: http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org
As part of Arts Access Australia's newly revamped website, we are providing detail on our advocacy and policy submissions. See our recent work here: http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/AAA-Areas-of-work
Arts Access Australia is looking for artists to profile for our newly launched website, please email suggestions to: communications@artsaccessaustralia.org
Arts Access Australia has welcomed Sarah Tracton as our new Communications Manager. Please email communications@artsaccessaustralia.org with arts and disability sector information, news and events.
1.2 Accessible Arts NSW โSpeak Upโ consultation
Feedback and public comment is being sought by 31 May on priority issues developed from a three-year โSpeak Up' consultation process with the arts and disability sectors across NSW. For further information, please contact Alison McLarenโ Phone on 02 9251 6499 (ext 6) or amclaren@aarts.net.au
1.3 DADAA WA Artlink program for school kids
Artlink is a respite arts program for school-aged children and their siblings. It provides access to experimental arts, cultural development, exploration, socialization and arts learning in an inclusive environment. The program runs every Saturday during school term dates and operates from Fremantle, Mirrabooka, Armadale and Clarkson in Western Australia.For more information contact Sarah Nelson on 08 9430 6616 or email coordsouth@dadaawa.asn.au
1.4 Arts Access SA Advice for artists with a disability
Arts Access SA has established a weekly consultant service to help artists with disabilities to get the most out of their arts and to become self-sufficient. Each Thursday from 9am to 1pm appointments are available for artists with disabilities to gain expertise and advice. For more information contact Arts Access SA on 08 8224 0799 or info@artsaccess-sa.org.au
1.5 ArtsAbility ACT welcomes Caro Roach
Caro Roach has been appointed as the new Artsability Officer in Canberra. Caro can be contacted at 02 6247 1882 or artsability@actartsofficers.org.au
1.6 Arts Access TAS Access For Me exhibition
Access For Meis a state-wide exhibition initiated by Arts Action Tasmania. Launched by journalist Judy Tierney on May 15, the exhibition will run till June 16 at 146 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.
1.7 Arts Access Darwin Afloat multi arts performance
Afloat is Arts Access Darwinโs most ambitious project to date. Using storytelling, dance, shadow puppetry and movement, Afloat involves young adults with intellectual disabilities exploring memories of water. Run in conjunction with Darwin Community Arts and Corrugated Iron Youth Theatre the performance will take place at the 2009 Darwin Festival in late August. Read more - http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=12&cntnt01returnid=15
2. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND DISABILITY SECTOR NEWS
2.1 New Disability Action Plan for national arts agency
In conjunction with Arts Access Australia, the Australia Council for the Arts has developed a new arts and disability action plan 2008 - 2010 to guide the organisation in its operations, programs and strategies in relation to access and equity for people with disabilities. For more information
http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/about_us/policies2/disability_and_the_arts_action_plan_2008-2010
2.2 AusAID Disability inclusion plan
The Australian Government has made people with disability a priority for Australia's international development program. Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, launched Australia's first strategy to guide Australia's aid program in supporting people with a disability in the developing world. http://www.ausaid.gov.au/keyaid/disability.cfm
2.3 Companion Card launched in NSW
240 NSW businesses from the arts and cultural sector now accept the Companion Card, which enables fair ticketing for people with severe or profound disabilities who require carer support to attend events and venues.http://www.nds.org.au/nsw/companioncard.htm
3. HEADLINES
3.1 Access to the arts focus on ABC TV Q&A
At a recent panel discussion broadcast on the ABC TV program Q&A, Arts Minister Peter Garrett addressed the recent incorporation of arts into the national school curriculum and the ongoing development of government access policies (at the 36 minute mark). For the full program and transcript http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s2551185.htm
3.2 Launch of additional 12 accessible cinemaโs
An additional 12 independent cinemas nationally will offer captions and audio description services on a regular basis, doubling the current levels of cinema's with access services in Australia. A project of Media Access Australia and the Independent Cinemas Association, the accessible cinema initiative is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.
3.3 No Limits TV sweeps 2009 Antenna Awards
Channel 31's No Limits received two awards 2009 Antenna Awards, which recognise excellence in community television. With a record breaking seven nominations, the show picked up Outstanding Interview Program Steve Hurd, who is blind, was the recipient of the Outstanding Male Presenter award. For information on No Limits see: http://www.nolimits.org.au/
3.4 Liz Carr on Art of Difference
Recently in Melbourne for the Art of Difference Festival, UK comedian Liz Carr writes about her experiences on the BBCโs Ouch website -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/opinion/disability_arts_and_laughs_down_under.shtml
3.5 South Australian Screen Awards for Restless film triptych
Necessary Games by Restless Dance Theatre won acclaim at 2009 Adelaide film festival South Australian Screen Awards, where it picked up four prestigious awards, including Best Short Film. See: http://www.mrc.org.au/watch-it/sasa
3.6 Australian Dance Awards 2009
The Heart of Another Is A Dark Forest: A collaboration between Melbourneโs Rawcus Theatre and Adelaide's Restless Dance Company is a finalist for the 2009 Australian Dance Awards in the category of โOutstanding Achievement in Youth or Community Danceโ. See: http://australiandanceawards.net.au/categories.html
3.7 Disability groups recruited for digital TV push
Vision Australia and National Disability Services are among the community groups selected to consult in the TV switchover from analogue to digital. See: http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/032
3.8 Creative Sparks new website and exhibition
Creative Sparks is a new website showcasing the artistic talents of people with epilepsy. The project is a joint venture of the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria, St. Vincentโs Health and the University of Melbourne. Read an article recently published in The Age on the project here - http://www.theage.com.au/national/art-helps-lift-the-veil-on-epilepsy-20090501-aqa0.html?page=-1
The Creative Sparks exhibition is running till June 2nd at Melbourneโs St Vincent's Gallery, 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy.
3.9 Indianapolis named most accessible city in US
Indianapolis has been named the most accessible city in the US for people with disabilities by the 8th annual Accessible America Competition. Announced by the National Organization on Disability, Indianapolis is being heralded as a national model for its focus on disability issues and successful design of programs, services and facilities that are accessible for citizens and visitors who have disabilities. See: http://www.nod.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=1560
3.10 Art-science collaboration rehabilitates brain injury patients
A revolutionary three year art-science project, funded by the Australia Council's Synapse program, is helping unlock the potential of mixed reality environments towards rehabilitation of patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Read more - http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=3&cntnt01returnid=15
3.11 Chinaโs first Audio Described film screening
Chinaโs first audio described film screening, which narrates the visual elements of a film, offered Shanghaiโs 158,000 visually impaired residents access to the technology for the first time. Read more -
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/90873/6637224.html
3.12 Rudely Interrupted invited to 2010 VSA festival
Melbourne band Rudely Interrupted will perform at the 2010 International VSA arts Festival. Read all about them at: http://www.rudelyinterrupted.com
3.13 USA Gimp: Confronting Disability With Modern Dance
Gimp is a new US dance company making headlines. See them at: http://www.thegimpproject.com/Home_-_The_GIMP_Project.html
3.14 Hong Kong VSA Arts New Website
VSA Arts Hong Kong has launched a new website at: http://www.adahk.org.hk/en/main/index.html
3.15 New Zealand National Prison Arts Strategy
Arts Access Aotearoa is developing a National Prison Arts Strategy and individual arts plans for prisons in New Zealand. Read more at
http://www.artsaccess.org.nz/index.php/outsider-art-movement/prison-arts/strategy-work-forges-ahead
4. EVENTS
4.1 VIC: SUPERHUMAN Symposium
The Super Human Revolution of the Species Symposium investigates collaborative art and science practices and their relationship with the human body. Taking place in Melbourne from November 22-25, 2009, Arts Access Australia and the Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) have sponsored UK disabled artist Ju Gosling as a keynote speaker for the Symposium, addressing the theme of โAugmentation'. For more information contact ars@anat.org.au
4.2 VIC: 2009 AFDO conference
Arts Access Australia is a sponsor of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisation (AFDO) conference taking place in Melbourne at the Jasper Hotel, May 28-29. To download registration details: http://www.afdo.org.au/Conference contact: lesley.hall@afdo.org.au
4.3 VIC: Arts Project Australia Dorothy Berry retrospective
Melbourne's Arts Project Australia presents Bird on a Wire, a major retrospective of artist Dorothy Berry's work. The free exhibition runs from April 30 - June 6, at the Arts Project Australia Gallery 24 High Street Northcote. For more information see: http://www.artsproject.org.au. APA also welcomes its new Executive Director, Sue Roff from 1 June.
4.4 VIC: Ignition Theatre Training performance and workshop
Ignition Theatre Training will be presenting a short puppetry performance and workshop at the Bow WOW! Festival 2009. The free performance is at Melbourne's Northcote Town Hall on Monday 1st June, 12.45-2.15 pm. Ignition is an inclusive learning environment for youth with and without disabilities. For bookings contact Leesa Nash at bowwowfestival@hotmail.com Web: bowwowfestival.blogspot.com/
4.5 QLD: The Effect of Ripples Mental Health initiative
The Effect Of Ripples is an exhibition of seven large digital images highlighting the issues of mental healthcare delivery and recovery. Formed by collaboration of artists following 10 weeks of workshops, the exhibition is showing at the Bleeding Heart Gallery at 166 Anne Street, Brisbane between June 24 -30. For more information contact Neal Price on 0419681030 or nealprice@bigpond.com Read more at: http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=10&cntnt01returnid=15
4.6 QLD: 10th National Rural Health conference in Cairns
The National Rural Health Conference brings together the rural and remote health sector, and those working in education, environmental management, rural development and community services, with the common goal of improving the health and wellbeing of people in rural Australia. The 2009 annual conference, which includes an art and health stream, takes place in Cairns from 17-20 May. For conference registration: http://10thnrhc.ruralhealth.org.au/
4.7 QLD: Mental Health Alliance conference
The Mental Health Alliance conference, entitled Altering States, takes place in Brisbane 25- 26 June 2009. The conference includes an arts stream http://www.qldalliance.conorg.com.au/
4.8 NSW: Back to Back Theatre Opera House performance
Part concert, part theatre show, Food Court features the vision of Back to Back Theatre and the evocative music of The Necks. A hit of the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival, Food Court is an intense roller-coaster ride of image, sound and emotion. Following a tour in Brussels, Food Court will perform at the Sydney Opera House from the 9th - 10th June. For booking details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/foodcourt.aspx
4.9 NSW: Art Galley of NSW Auslan interpreted tours
On the last Sunday of each month, the Art Gallery of NSW runs Auslan interpreted tours, each exploring different artistic themes. For a listing of 2009 tour dates: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/events/
4.10 NSW Arts and Health Conference
Arts and Health Australia are convening an international arts and health conference, The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing. The conference takes place at the Glasshouse Arts Conference and Entertainment Centre, in Port Macquarie, from 10 to 13 November 2009, with specialized pre-conference workshops. The call for abstracts is now open until 31 May 2009. For more information go to www.artsandhealth.org
4.11 NSW Arts and Health Conference #2
The University of Newcastleโs second arts and health conference: Arts/Health Pain/Pleasure - the sound image and text of pain and healing, will be held 7 - 9 October 2009. Read more at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/artshealth/conference/
4.12 AART.BOXX Exhibition 29 October โ 7 November
Accessible Artsโ national exhibition of works by emerging artists with a disability will be held at Mori Gallery, 168 Day St Sydney from 29 October to 7 November 2009.
For further information contact Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development Officer on 02 9251 6499 (ext 4) or email jcavallaro@aarts.net.au
4.13 SA: Arts and Ageing conference
The Society for the Arts in Dementia Care (Australia) Inc together with Aged Care & Community Services SA & NT Inc is holding the 4th International Conference on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia at the Adelaide Convention Centre from the 21 - 23 October 2009. Read more at: http://www.alloccasionsgroup.com/CECD09
4.14 SA: Growth Spurt Early Childhood Dance
Restlessโ workshop for children aged 2-4 years with a disability or developmental delay returns. Call Restless on 08 8212 8495 or info@restlessdance.org
4.15 SA: Somersault UmbrellaFest Launch
Somersault UmbrellaFest features performances and artworks that celebrate the creativity & contribution of people with disabilities. Admission is $6 and the event will be held on June 2nd at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel at 10:30am - 2:30pm. For further information, contact Tony Doyle on 08 8212 0390 or tdoyle.visions@bigpond.com
4.16 GREECE: Emotions Pictures Disability & Documentary Film Festival
From June 19th-22nd, the International Emotions Pictures Festival is set to screen over 30 innovative documentaries from around the globe at the Benaki Museum in Athens. Visit the website at http://www.ameamedia.gr/
4.17 USA: 2009 LEAD conference
The annual Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference takes place at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington from August 13 โ 16. For information and registration see: http://www.kennedycenter.org/accessibility/education/lead/home.html
4.18 USA Art Beyond Sight - Turning pictures to words
A one-stop resource giving the vision impaired access to arts and culture, Art Beyond Sight produces materials for accessible arts programs for use in museums, schools, libraries, senior/community centers, Art Beyond Sightโs international conference is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York City takes on the 16 - 17 October 2009. Read more at: http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=6&cntnt01returnid=15
5. OPPORTUNITIES
5.1 The Other Film Festival launches outreach program
The Other Film Festival, known for screening groundbreaking films about the experience of disability from around the globe, has launched an outreach program of accessible screenings. These presentations have already been delivered at major cultural institutions, local and regional councils, schools and community organisations. For more information, contact the Festival Director Rick Randall at rrandall@artsaccess.com.au or 0413 667 900 http://www.otherfilmfestival.com/
5.2. VIC: Get Bold on 3CR radio
The Boldness, a radio program which examines disability issues on Melbourne's 3CR, invites aspiring broadcasters to send in sound-bites, snippets, music or radio plays for potential broadcast. Please post examples on CD or in MP3 format to Ms Alex Grantham, Producer of The Boldness Producer.Grit Media,PO Box 571 Melbourne,VIC, 3001or admin@gritmedia.org.au Tune into The Boldness, broadcasting the third Wednesday each month. 6 - 6.30 pm on 3CR or download the latest podcasts at: feed://www.gritmedia.org.au/boldnesspodcast1_rss.xml (cut and paste link into your browser)
5.3 NSW: Bundanoon residency: Applications open
In partnership with the Bundanon Trust, Accessible Arts is providing an artist in residency opportunity for a NSW artist with a disability. Artists practicing in the visual arts, design, digital technologies, film, literature, dance and theatre are eligible to apply. Applications close 1 July 2009. For further information contact Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development Officer on 02 9251 6499 ext 4 or jcavallaro@aarts.net.au. Read more http://www.aarts.net.au/projects/bundanon-residency
5.4 WA: DADAA 2009 Arts & Disability Small Grants Program
DADAA has announced its inaugural Arts and Disability Small Grants Program. Groups and individuals will receive an amount up to $2000 to support disability practices towards developing of a wide range of artistic, social and functional skills. Applications must be received by May 29th. For further information, contact Jeremy Smith on 08 9430 6616 or via email jeremy@dadaawa.asn.au
5.5 WA: Grants for Artists with Disabilities
Artists with a disability in Western Australia will benefit from an exciting new $100,000 grant program. Further information is available at: http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/funding/grants/grants_for_artists_with_disabilities
5.6 NT: Artist in residence education initiative
Arts NT, the Department of Education and Training and the Australia Council for the Arts is offering new project funding for initiatives that build partnerships between arts organisations and schools. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for the Artists in Residence Education Initiatives in 2009. Expressions of interest are due June 19. For further information contact Christine Silvester, Arts NT at arts.office@nt.gov.au
5.7 USA: VSA 2010 conference call for presenters
VSA arts is seeking presentation proposals from policy-makers, artists, school and program administrators, researchers, and educators around the world for its international conference. Held in Washington, D.C., June 10-12, 2010, submission deadline is May 29th 2009. For information and applications, go to: http://www.vsarts.org/PreBuilt/showcase/gallery/exhibits/Calls/Int_Conference/index.html
5.8 CANADA: International Piano Festival for people with disabilities
The 2nd International Piano Festival for people with disabilities takes place on September 30th - October 4th in Vancouver, Canada. For more information on how to enter contact tokiosakoda@nifty.com or go to http://www.cipfd.com17
5.9 HONG KONG: VSA Arts Education Institute conference
VSA Arts Education Institute Hong Kong conference takes place 17-19 July 2009. For details contact ed@artsaccessaustralia.org or call 0419 201 338 For general information on VSA Arts see: http://www.vsarts.org
6. RESOURCES
6.1 Disability Services in Victoria brochure
Support Your Way a new information brochure produced by Disability Services in Victoria detailing the shift from more traditional service arrangements to a service system that provides greater flexibility and self-directed choice. Download here: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/
6.2 Access to Premises standards
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released papers about access to premises standards for people with disabilities - http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html
6.3 Mobility map for Melbourne
Accessing Melbourne's entertainment and sporting precincts will be easier than ever for people with mobility restrictions thanks to a new City of Melbourne map that outlines access facilities at some of the city's most popular attractions. To download or order copies contact the City of Melbourne. See: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=268&pg=2242
Tel: 03 9658 9658
6.4 Web Accessibility for users with intellectual disabilities
The National Center on Disability and Access to Education in the US has released an article on increasing the usability of websites for those with cognitive disabilities. Download the article: http://www.ncdae.org/tools/cognitive/
6.5 UK Disability Arts online new website
Disability Arts online presents quality disability arts practice for critical analysis and debate. www.disabilityartsonline.org
6.6 New Zealand Creative Momentum
Creative Momentum is a virtual movement around creative diversity. Through an international website and local events we want to create more awareness of creativity and diversity. Visit the site at: www.creativemomentum.org
6.7 USA NCCA launches creativity and aging blog
The National Centre for Creative Aging (NCCA) has launched a creativity and aging blog at: http://creativityandaging.blogspot.com
6.8 New International Arts Health journal
Arts & Health provides a pioneering international forum for the publication of research, policy and best practice within the interdisciplinary field of arts and health. See:
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/rahe
6.9 VSA releases arts and education handbook
VSA arts has released The Contours of Inclusion: Frameworks and Tools for Evaluating Arts in Education. This practical guide provides examples of the design and use of evaluation for arts education in inclusive settings: http://www.vsarts.org/evaluation
6.10 New Culture and Disability journal website
The new website for the Journal of Literary and Cultural Disability Studies has been launched at http://www.jlcds.org/
6.11 UK Mind The Gap Actors Agency
Mind The Gap's Actors Agency has been set up specifically for actors with a learning disability. It gives TV, radio and theatre producers an easy way to find the right actor for the part. For further information email agency@mind-the-gap.org.uk or visit the website at http://www.mind-the-gap.org.uk/aboutus/Agency.html
6.12 WebbyTalents
WebbyTalents is a free video hosting service for filmmakers and organisation to upload disability related content at http://www.webbytalents.com/
6.13 Prison Art Training Manual
To download the free Song Birds Prison Art Training Manual, go to:
http://www.pseconsultancy.com/
6.14 Publication: Culture and Development
This publication is the first attempt at the Commonwealth level to demonstrate the links between culture and development and provide recognition and support for these connections. Download the PDF at:
http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/culturediversity/Research/
7. WHOโs WHO
7.1 Comedian Philip Patston
Comedian, change consultant and social entrepreneur, Philip Patston is currently taking the stage at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Read more -
