Accessible Arts / arts + disability NSW

An Arts & Disability Forum in Western Sydney

Accessible Arts presents POW WOW, an arts & disability forum in Western Sydney on Wednesday 15 October. POW WOW is part of the upcoming Bakehouse festival, an inclusive arts event that aims to bridge the gap between the arts and disability sector, creating opportunities where there once was none, embracing difference & creating change.

POW WOW will offer a morning of dynamic presentations from grassroots projects to educational initiatives, and an opportunity to engage in a lively panel discussion with key members from the Western Sydney arts, disability & local council sectors. This cross-sector learning experience will be of interest to artists, arts workers, disability service providers, arts organisations, and local councils interested in accessible and inclusive arts programs and practices.

Forum coordinator Jennifer Teo says, “POW WOW is an exciting cross-sector learning and networking opportunity for people in the arts and disability sectors. It is an opportunity to hear inspiring initiatives and make a difference in future arts and disability programs.”

The focus of the forum is on the sustainability of creative programs, which will be illustrated by guest speakers from key organisations in New South Wales who have made significant leaps in the arts and disability sector. Guest speakers include:

Kate Baker (Program Officer, Australia Council for the Arts) Instrumental in developing key partnerships in the arts & disability sectors and formulated the Australia Council’s Arts and Disability Action Plan 2008-2010.

Louise McCormack (The Spastic Centre) Progressed cultural change within the organisation by introducing supportive workers with creative backgrounds and instigating creative programs across all of their centres in New South Wales.

Claudia Chidiac (Powerhouse Youth Theatre Artistic Director) Community Cultural Development facilitator, producer and performer, Claudia is a ‘powerhouse’ in the performing arts.  She has supported and developed cutting-edge contemporary projects for wide range of audiences, and her inclusion into the arts of people with a disabilities has altered the perception of artistic practice.

Other speakers include, Naomi McCarthy (Penrith Regional Gallery), Jenny Bisset (Arts & Cultural Development, Blacktown City Council) and Steve Lee (Bankstown Day Options).  Guest facilitator will be Cheryle Yin-Lo (Cultural Connexions).

A long lunch and an interactive approach will encourage shared dialogue and the development of arts and disability networks.

This FREE event will run from 9:30am – 1:30pm at Rafferty’s Theatre, Parramatta Riverside Theatre, Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. Access: Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP by 13th October 2008. Registrations & enquiries to Jennifer Teo tel: 9251 6499 (ext. 7) (Tue/Wed only) or email jteo@aarts.net.au. Bakehouse festival www.slicedbreadattraction.org.au/bakehouse

About Accessible Arts
Accessible Arts is the peak arts and disability organisation across New South Wales. Accessible Arts promotes and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural activities either as audience members; through attending galleries, theatres, museums and festivals; or as participants in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities; and by developing as professional artists. Over the years Accessible Arts has worked in assisting arts organisations such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Art Fair, Sydney Writers Festival, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Film Festival. To keep up to date with upcoming news and arts events subscribe to the free Accessible Arts monthly newsletter. 

Download Media Release POW WOW - Inclusive creative program know-how