Disability-Only Forum sparks new virtual networking events

The Forum was a fun and at times hectic experience as we learned together about networking in the online space. We were delighted and grateful as everyone threw themselves fully into the experience, sharing openly and creating genuine connections within the group.

And, as a result of popular demand and invaluable feedback from Forum participants, AAA has launched a new series of virtual networking events for disabled and non-disabled artists and arts workers, with the first of these events happening on Wednesday 21 April 2021.

The Forum also provided a space to discuss topics top of mind for our participants. These discussions provided an invaluable foundation for AAA’s work this year to recast our mission and strategic goals for the medium term, following the decision by the Australia Council for the Arts not to renew our multi-year funding.

AAA CEO Matthew Hall said: “What was clear from those discussions is that AAA has an important, and continuing role to play in fighting for an elevated presence of the arts and disability sector. We must remain conscious for whom we are speaking, and ensure that we speak for all, including artists and arts workers who are d/Deaf or with disability who are culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+ or Indigenous.”

“It is also very clear that we must continue to work hard to ensure that we fight for greater inclusion and better access as the world adapts to COVID-19, and that the gains that have been made, especially with online access and inclusion, are not lost,” said Hall.

“Lastly, we must keep in mind the critical role that we play in keeping our vibrant, diverse and active community united and connected. We must advocate for this role, and value of the arts in disabled lives. We must ensure that a clear picture of arts and disability in Australia at the national level is kept front and centre, and in focus, for all levels of government, funding bodies, educational and vocational training institutions and all Australian communities.”

AAA would like to extend a huge thanks to Paul Calcott, from First People’s Disability Network, for providing a welcoming and beautiful acknowledgement of country, and to all of our volunteer facilitators – Kath Duncan, Madeleine Little, Martin Sawtell, Penny Pollard, Hanna Cormick and Belinda Locke.

Thank you as well to everybody who gave up their time to fully participate and share your experiences and views on where AAA needs to focus its energies into the future. Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable, and we are grateful to have such a connected and active community to support our vision for equity in the arts for all Australians.

The Disability-Only Forum was held on 9 December 2020. The Forum was Auslan-interpreted, live-captioned, and attendees were encouraged to self-describe. To provide the safest, disability-only space possible for our attendees, the Forum was not recorded.