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Don't DIS my ABILITY 2008
For the last 7 years Accessible Arts has coordinated an arts program as part of the Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign.
Each year the program brings together arts and cultural organisations to work towards an event, project or policy that is inclusive of people with disability.
In 2008, a total 62 arts events were registered as part of Don’t DIS My ABILITY, of which 52% were visual arts based, 13% were cross art form (or not identified), 8% were drama based, 6% were music based and 3% were either photography or dance based.
Accessible Arts Small Arts Grants
For the last three years, a number of Accessible Arts grants have been made available to develop the quality and sustainability of the Don’t DIS My ABILITY art program. These small arts grants have been made possible with the support of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
In 2008 Accessible Arts received a total of 46 applications for a small arts grant. This means that 74% of the total number of arts events registered, sought financial support. Over 65% of these applications were from regional NSW (representing 100% of all registered regional arts events), 22% from Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Central Coast or Newcastle and 13% from Metropolitan NSW.
A total of 22 grants were awarded, ranging from $300-$500, totalling $9550, 63% of which was allocated in regional NSW (category A), 23% in Illawarra, Blue Mountains, Newcastle (category B) and 15% in Metropolitan Sydney (Category C). For full listing of grant recipients see Appendix.
Testimonials
“It brought me more self- confidence, as it was a part of my life story. I wanted to show the audience what it felt like to have an epilepsy attack, which previously I was embarrassed to even tell anyone that I had had a fit.”
Janet Diane
Independent artist and producer of I Love You, Don’t DIS my ABILITY 2008.
“We really appreciated the financial assistance from Accessible Arts - without it we wouldn't have been able to hold the workshops or exhibition. This was a major event for Cobar in decreasing the stigma of disability and showing the community just how talented and capable these individuals are. Cobar Arts Council was proud to show the community that art is universal and can reach many, including those from minority groups.”
Cobar Arts Council
Photography Workshops Cobar NSW, Don’t DIS my ABILITY 2008.
“Joining the choir was a great opportunity, while having some fun as I always do with music, to kill two birds with one stone. Firstly as an experienced singer and member of a local community choir I was in a position to support other less experienced singers and as a person who is blind my participation could support International Day of People with a disability generally.”
Participant - Central Coast Choir Collective
Gosford City Council, Don’t DIS my ABILITY 2008.
“What an absolute joy it was to see our daughter, Tarryn, participate and perform. The Flamenco experience has inspired her to continue in her quest to join a dance class on a regular basis.”
Mother of a participant
Flamenco@the Seymour, Don’t DIS my ABILITY 2008.
“Accessible Arts continues to be an easy organisation to deal with, support is given willingly, and training courses have proved very valuable for day program staff and art show committee members.”
Debra Brown, Disability Enterprises
Sensorial Exhibition, Katoomba Fine Art Gallery, Don’t DIS my ABILITY 2008.
Regional NSW Small Grant Recipient 2008
Basic Digital Photography: Workshops & Exhibition
Cobar Arts Council Inc.
Cobar Arts Council received a small grant for International Day of people with a Disability to employ a professional photographer to run digital photography workshops. There were five participants with a disability who attended the workshops led by Mark Ingram. Over 50 people attended the official opening of the photographic exhibition, including participants, carers, family, friends and community members.
"The workshops were conducted over 3 days and we were able to take photos around the Cobar Museum and Heritage Park. This was a great place to capture some fantastic photos. My best photo is the fire truck because my dad used to be the driver".
Participant
"I learnt a lot about the angles you can use, and how a detail photo can sometimes look better than the whole scene. My family were so proud of my photos and at least 6 came to see the exhibition opening".
Participant
"This was a major event for Cobar, achieving the significant outcome of showing to the community the talents and capabilities of these photographers and in turn decreasing the stigma of disability. The Cobar Arts Council was proud to show the community that art is universal and can reach many, including those from minority groups. The funding amount form Accessible Arts ensured that participants did not have to pay for their art skill development, while further funding and in-kind sponsorship from community partners maximised their experience. The development of these partnerships is a significant outcome that bodes well for the sustainability of the project into the future.”
Cobar Arts Council
