Accessible Arts' Western Sydney project is drawing to an end, but the work this project has inspired is by no means over.
Plugged In, a month of inclusive arts events throughout October 2010, will celebrate some of the achievements realized through Accessible Arts’ Western Sydney project, increasing cultural activities, access and opportunities for people with disability in the Western Sydney region.
Accessible Arts held a skills exchange day for Western Sydney arts centres on 27 May 2010, in response to the need to develop audiences that include people with disability at museums and galleries.
First Flight Crew will make their first appearance for 2010 at Platform 3, Sydney’s largest hip hop festival on Saturday 20 March 2010.News
Plugged In Launch fills the house
Approximately 250 people attended the Plugged In Launch Party at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta on the 5 October 2010, demonstrating the enthusiasm of a number of disability services that would like to engage more with the arts as part of their programs.
Robert Love, Director of Riverside Theatres launched the Plugged In program, and said, “Plugged In is a wonderful initiative that aims to connect venues and disability programs in western Sydney. In October we focus on this accessibility but aim that it will increase in coming years.”
Free entertainment at the launch included performers with and without disability, including Riverside Theatres WAPD performance group and a hip hop routine from the First Flight Crew. Sydney band Toydeath performed live electronic music using hand modified amplified toys, and audience members were encouraged to jam on the toys at the end of the performance.
“Providing a free, accessible daytime event with a variety of entertainment, not only launched Plugged In, it also demonstrated there is a high demand for such events for people who attend disability services,” said Alison Richardson, Creative Programs Coordinator for Accessible Arts in Western Sydney.
Continuing throughout October 2010, Plugged In will address some of the demand for free daytime cultural events for people with disability. Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest is offering free art making workshops including tile making and shadow drawing. Free guided tours at Casula Powerhouse can be booked any day of the week between 10 am and 4 pm and free art making workshops at Fairfield Museum & Gallery are taking place on Friday afternoons between 2 and 4 pm.
The month long program of events not only draws a focus on improving access to the arts for people with disability, it reinforces the connection between the arts and disability sectors that has been supported by Accessible Arts’ Western Sydney project since 2007.
View and download the Plugged In program.
For further information contact:
- Alison Richardson on 02 9251 6499 ext 112 arichardson@aarts.net.au, or
- Jennifer Teo on 02 9251 6499 ext 111 jteo@aarts.net.au.