David Cretney, Sylvanvale Foundation, with local artist Sandra McGregor
On 3 December 2009, during International Day of People With Disability, the Penrith Disability Arts & Culture Forum took place at Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest. Presented by Sylvanvale Foundation and Penrith City Council. MCeed by David Cretney, Sylvanvale Foundation.
The forum posed the question:
How do we create inclusive and accessible practice for people with disabilities?
Facilitated by Kate Baker from the Australia Council for the Arts. There were numerous informative presentations. Local artist Sandra McGregor talked about what art means to her and the pleasure it brings to her life.
Experienced arts & disability practitioners talked about their approach to inclusive and accessible arts practice, including presentations by Angela Pasqua (Camden Creative Studios), Julie Humphreys (Katoomba Dance Theatre), Katrina Douglas (Q Theatre), Gaye Flemming (Sunnyfield Independence), plus a video presentation by Phil Heuzenroeder (Club Wild, VIC).
All presenters highlighted various key aspects of working in the arts and disability sector, some key points were:
- Create accessible and inclusive arts opportunities and experiences
- Access to training, education and professional development for people with disability
- Develop relationships and networks across all sectors
- Build community partnerships
- Don’t be scared to try, it’s all a learning process
- Be proactive and a leader in your community
The forum was well attended by people working in the local arts, disability and local government sector, providing a good cross-sector networking opportunity. The forum also provided opportunities to workshop and discus creative ideas, and developed practical strategies to address the forum theme.
Penrith City Council also celebrated International Day of People With Disability with the launch of the Penrith Inclusion Plan: People with Disability 2009 – 2013 and the unveiling of a sculpture created by Sunnyfield artists during the Majors Morning Tea.
Audio
Listen to an audio recording about the forum by Shout Out Radio (2BLU FM 89.1). Download transcript (RTF, 12KB).
Join the network
In 2010 Sylvanvale Foundation, Penrith City Council and Accessible Arts will work to establish a regional Arts & Disability Network. If you are interested in getting involved and would like to find out more contact us.