New $10,000 national leadership award for artists and arts-workers with disability announced

The $10,000 AAA National Leadership Award aims to recognise and support new and emerging leaders in the arts who identify as being Deaf or disabled. Applications for the Award are open now until 4 November 2019, with the winner to be announced at the inaugural National Arts & Disability Awards event in Canberra, to be held on 3 December 2019, the International Day of People with Disability.

“People with disability are less likely to be found in leadership and management roles in the arts,” said AAA CEO Meagan Shand. “Change starts at the top. If we are to see more diversity in the arts, if we are to see more opportunities for artists with disability, then we need more people with disability in positions of leadership and influence.”

Evidence shows that professional artists with disability are less likely to find a career in the arts in comparison to their peers without disability. And, if they do find work, they can expect to earn 42% less (Making Art Work report, 2017).

The AAA National Leadership Award has been established in response to the organisation’s strategic commitment to improving employment and enterprise outcomes for artists and arts workers with disability. The $10,000 annual award will contribute to leadership training and/or professional development, and includes a coaching or mentoring aspect and an opportunity to learn more about AAA’s change programs.

AAA is a disability-led company by guarantee; its CEO and at least 50% of the Board identify as experiencing disability.

“We need to nurture the next generation of leaders”, Ms Shand said. “I encourage all aspiring leaders and influencers to apply. This is your opportunity to polish your skills, connect to a national platform and discover the unique contribution you can make to arts and disability in Australia.”

The 2019 AAA National Leadership Award is supported by AAA donors and Creative Partnerships Australia through their Plus1 program.

The inaugural National Arts & Disability Awards (NADA) event will be presented by AAA and the Australia Council for the Arts. At the event, the Australia Council will also announce the winners of their National Arts & Disability Awards. The Awards night takes place at the culmination of the national forum on arts, culture and disability, Meeting Place 2019.

For more information about the award, visit: https://artsaccessaustralia.org/opportunity/aaa-national-leadership-award/

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Contact

Yvette Tulloch

Communications Manager, Arts Access Australia

Email: media@artsaccessaustralia.org