Newsletters

AAA Newsletter

Issue 16- February 2004

Published: Bi Monthly

1.1 Neal Price wins Ros Bower Award

Neal Price, Executive Director of Queensland's Arts Access, won the 2003 Ros Bower Award from the Australia Council. The $40,000 award recognises Neal's 30 years of practice exploring the nexus between arts and health and arts and disability. Arts Access have developed a national profile for enabling people with disabilities and those experiencing disadvantage to engage in the production of quality art projects. Follow link here

1.2 High Beam Festival 2004 Adelaide 3-9 May

High Beam is one of the largest festivals of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a spectacular and diverse program of arts, debate and workshops. The Ideas and Innovations conference on 3 and 4 May is a two day interactive program examining some of the best Australian and international models of work in the arts expressing disability culture and the cultural and social impacts of these practices. Follow link here Email: highbeamfestival@artsinaction.asn.au

1.3 Article on Disability and arts, health and wellbeing

The Community Arts Network national magazine Artwork Edition 57 December 2003 is devoted to arts, health and wellbeing. Artwork approached DADAA to write an article on the place of disability in this debate. The DADAA article can be found in pdf via the contents page for Artwork Edition 57. Follow link here

1.4 Artscreen online launched

The online Gallery celebrates the five year partnership between Arts Access and Breastscreen Victoria, which has enabled Victorian women from different locations and language backgrounds to learn new art skills and create beautiful and thoughtful art. The professional artists who led the workshops were also commissioned to produce their own artwork in response to the themes of breast health and women's wellbeing. Check it out! Follow link to online gallery here and Follow link to Artscreen here

1.5 Launch of Companion Card - Victoria

The Companion Card has finally been launched by the Department of Human Services. This unique initiative removes the inequitable cost barrier for people with a disability who require the assistance of a companion to attend an event. Instead of having to pay for two tickets, the cardholder will be issued with a free ticket for their carer/companion. Already over 40 organisations have signed up as affiliates. Information for cardholders and arts/entertainment organizations can be found at this site here or by calling 1800 650 611.

1.6 National Network 2004 meetings in Sydney and Horsham (VIC)

The DADAA National Network will be holding its annual Face to Face Board meetings in Sydney in March and Horsham in October. The Sydney meeting will be at the Australia Council offices and will provide an opportunity for DADAA State members and the Australia Council to develop greater understanding of each others roles. The Horsham meeting in October will immediately precede the Regional Arts Australia 'Meeting Place' national conference which is also being held at the same time as the Awakenings Festival of art and disability.

2.0 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT NEWS

2.1 ArtAbility Calendar 2004 available now

Family and Community Services have released their artAbility Calendar for 2004. The Calendar features photos and brief interviews of artists with disabilities provided by the DADAA National Network. The Calendar is available from the FaCS Publications Hotline Number 1800 050 009

2.2 New Australia Council Support for the Arts handbook available for 2004

A guide to the funding categories and closing dates for applications is available online at at this site here or by calling 1800 226 912

2.3 disAbility e-news - Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services

A Regular bulletin from FaCS on disability issues. Topics in this issue include the government's new strategy for engaging Disability Support Pension recipients with the Job Network. Follow link here

2.4 Release of a draft Premises Standard which covers access to buildings

The draft Premises Standard, developed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), is available for public comment up to the end of April, with a number of public information sessions being conducted around Australia in early February. Copies of the draft, related documents and details of the public awareness sessions are available on the ABCB website at at this site here or by calling 1300 134 631 or faxing 02 6213 7287.

2.5 Productivity commission publishes draft report on Disability Discrimination Act

The Productivity Commission published its draft report on the Disability Discrimination Act on 31st October 2003 and public hearings recommence in January 2004. The report is available on the Commission’s web site here

2.6 Review of non-commercial losses tax legislation (affecting artists' income)

The Treasurer's Board of Taxation is reviewing non commercial losses legislation - which is significant for artist's income and sustainability. First submissions are due 27 February 2004. For more information about the review see this site here

2.7 Core funding for Migrant Resource Centre's (MRC's) to be removed by Federal Government

Following the release of the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) 2003 Review of Settlement Services for Migrants and Humanitarian Entrants, the government has announced its intention to phase out core funding to all MRC's by June 2004. For further information contact Kerrie McGrath tel 02 9594 6578 or 0412 772 259 email: actionow@optusnet.com.au

2.8 Updated Indigenous Statistics Now Available Online

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has recently published "A statistical overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia" on its website. You can access it at this site here

2.9 Internet forum on Australian South Sea Islanders

A website forum on Australian South Sea Islanders and their history of racial discrimination contributing to current levels of disadvantage is happening now. The site includes a background paper on South Sea Islanders in Australia. Follow link here

2.10 Department of Education, Science and Technology discussion paper on adult learning

You Can Too is the title of a discussion paper put out by the Department of Education, Science and Training on adult learning in Australia. Disability issues are not a separate topic but could be discussed under the topic on ensuring access. The full paper can be found at this site here

3.0 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Australia

3.1 Call for papers - fourth pillar conference December 2004 Melbourne

The Cultural Development Network in Victoria is hosting a major conference in Melbourne in December 2004 to explore the potential of cultural development processes in local government community strengthening programs. Proposals for papers and workshops are invited by 5 March 2004. Contact Judy Spokes tel 03 9658 8850 email judspo@melbourne.vic.gov.au

3.2 Graduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development

Community Arts Network of SA Inc. runs a nationally accredited course, Graduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development. The course is unique in that it combines the theory and practice of arts management with community development. The course specifically addresses the skills and knowledge required to work as a community based arts practitioner or as a coordinator of community arts programs. It is delivered by distance mode, over two years of full-time study.For detailed information and application forms, visit the CAN SA website Follow link here phone (08) 8231 0900, or email training@cansa.net.au

International

3.3 International Media Festival on Disabilities USA

An annual International Media Festival on Disabilities, Superfest XXIV, seeks entries of works about disability or by mediamakers with a disability. For more info. and an entry form visit: this site here

3.4 USA Danceability teacher certification course June - July 2004

The University of Oregon Department of Dance is conducting a month long teacher certification course on integrated movement and dance from June 28 to July 23. For more information email alito22@yahoo.com or this site here

3.5 USA Society for arts in healthcare 2004 conference 21 - 24 April

The 'State of the Arts in Healthcare: Building Communities, Embracing Diversity' conference will be held in Alexandria, Virginia with site visits and events throughout the Washington DC area. For more information see this site here or email mail@theSAH.org

3.6 Community performance conference 2004 June 4-6 USA

"Community/Performance" is a conference that will bring together scholars and practitioners of participatory art, community performance, performance theory and related fields. The three-day event will take place June 4-6, 2004, on the campus of Bryant College in Rhode Island. As part of "Community/Performance" the national organization ACN/Arts Culture Nature will sponsor a number of panels and workshops that address art and ecology issues. For more information contact Petra Kuppers, conference director, by e-mailing pkuppers@bryant.edu

3.7 New Journal of Literature and Disability Culture Seeks Writers and Subscribers

AbilityMaine is a new journal of literature and disability culture, called Breath & Shadow. We're seeking poetry, fiction, essays, drama, interviews, and other writing. Check out the website at this site here . The submission guidelines are at this site here.

3.8 Call for TV programming by people with disabilities USA

DCTV’s state-of-the-art cyberstudio provides a unique opportunity for members of the disabled community because ConnecTV producers will be able to reach 500,000 homes via cable and a potentially unlimited number over the internet. By creating programming themselves and building community through the interactive potential of the web, ConnecTV producers are at the forefront of making democratic media production a reality. Contact: Chris Arnold Email: chris@dctvny.org Follow link here

3.9 Moving Centre Stage 2004 a Disability Arts Conference 6th - 8th May UK

"Moving Centre Stage" is a conference aimed at Disabled and Deaf people working in the performing arts and others interested in exploring opportunities in Disability and Deaf Arts. Follow link here

3.10 All Russia Festival for people with learning disabilities

The Moscow based organisation Krug (meaning Circle) runs a range of creative activities for people with learning disabilities aged 3 - 30. They are holding an All Russia Festival in September 2004. If you would like to get in touch with them please email roo-krug@mtu-net.ru

4.0 NEW RESOURCES

Australia

4.1 Release of economic study of Australian artists

The Australia Council has released a report Don’t give up your day job, examining the economic situation of Australian artists. The report was commissioned by the Australia Council but conducted independently by economists Professor David Throsby and Virginia Hollister. It is the fourth report in a series spanning 20 years.

Around 10 per cent of the artists surveyed reported living with some form of disability. Of these, about two-thirds report a physical disability and one-third have a mental illness or intellectual impairment. Of the artists with a disability, about 20 per cent say that their disability impacts on their artistic practice most of the time or all of the time, while another 17 per cent say it has no effect at all. Follow link here

4.2 International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies - arts advocacy arguments

Released in mid-October 2003 this report provides references and links for articulating the public benefits of the arts to government. Follow link here

4.3 Release of Australian Peak Body Study

A fascinating 3 year study on community sector peak bodies has been released. The study details the relationship between peak bodies and the government. The report also reveals the unique nature of Australian peak bodies. The report can be downloaded from here or email Dr Rose Melville rosem@uow.edu.au

4.4 Australia's Welfare 2003

This biennial report highlights the value of unpaid welfare services provided in households. About 2.5 million people provided unpaid care to people with a disability and frail older people. Of these some 491,000 were defined as primary carers, the main providers of assistance to people with self-care, mobility and communication difficulties. The full-time equivalent workforce providing informal care was estimated at 985,000 in 2000-01, or about five times the size of the paid workforce in the community services industry. The 531 page report is available online at: here .

4.5 Australia's Young People: Their Health and Wellbeing 2003

This second national report provides comprehensive information on the health status of young people, including those with disability. The 422-page report can be accessed online: here .

4.6 Disability Prevalence and Trends

Updates and refines prevalence estimates of five main disability groups in Australia – intellectual, psychiatric, sensory/speech, acquired brain injury and physical/diverse. The report of 212 pages can be accessed via here

International

4.7 Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for information and services on the Web

The use of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to ensure accessibility for everyone to the information and services the Web has to offer is a recommendation of the World Wide Web Consortium (the W3C). Cascading Style Sheets are also a powerful tool for simplifying the maintenance of websites and controlling the way web pages look. The home for all W3C information on CSS is at here .

4.8 Arts Council England Publication Celebrates 30 years of Disability Arts

The publication is intended as an acknowledgement of the achievements of the pioneers in the disability movement who have put disability arts at the forefront of public awareness. The arts organisations profiled in the book are now regularly funded by the Arts Council. Disability arts is a priority within the Arts Council's diversity agenda. We are committed to our objective to support and champion equality in the arts and challenge discrimination. For more information including an advance copy of the publication, contact: Rudi.BreakwellBos@artscouncil.org.uk

4.9 Breaking the Cycle of Failure - impact of arts work with young people UK

This report is a detailed case study evaluating a year of darts‚ (Doncaster Community Arts) Otherwise Creative‚ project, working with pupils excluded from mainstream education as a result of emotional, behavioural, psychological or social problems. To receive a copy email darts@thepoint.org.uk or call 01302 341 662.

4.10 Documentary video on arts and mental health UK

A documentary video profiling Maps, a two year programme in the arts and mental health organised by ITHACA. Maps aims to change lives and overcome isolation by placing people with mental health needs at the heart of the community. Price: UKP 8.50 (inc p&p) To order a copy send a cheque to ITHACA at The Annexe, SS Mary & John School, Meadow Lane, Oxford, OX4 1TJ Tel: 01865 791668 or email: admin@ithaca.org.uk

4.11 Publication UK: Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises: The Journey Sequence

The book gives the latest design solutions in the provision for access for patrons and performers in meeting new legislation. It covers not only parking, entry and all internal features but facilities for the visually and hearing impaired. Joint author of the book, Geoffrey Lord said "many owners believed that the cost of access was out of proportion to the commercial return, and some still use this as an excuse to do little, but this argument quickly proved false. Effective access does not come cheap or easy or without planning, but it is worthwhile and also cost-effective. Effective access provision is a gateway and gives freedom to those wishing to enjoy the arts and performances." Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises: The Journey Sequence published by Elsevier, Linacre House Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP, Tel: 01865 474000, Fax: 01865 474001 ISBN No. 0750657790, Hardback. UKP 50.

4.12 New USA State directories assist with accessibility and the arts

The National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) has released new State Resource Directories on ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance. Each state has its own directory that contains listings of organizations and agencies that provide technical assistance regarding the ADA and the arts. Included in these listings are disability agencies and organizations and information about creating an access advisory committee for conducting outreach to the disability community. To review a state directory, go to here .

4.13 New European Disability Forum Website following media and disability congress

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has launched a new website, following the Media and Disability Congress held in Athens last June. The site at This site includes the Media and Disability Declaration, latest news and useful links. (Some of the pages are still under construction). It wants to become a tool for the exchange of information and best practices. Contact Helena González-Sancho Bodero Communication Officer European Disability Forum, Email communication@edf-feph.org

4.14 UNESCO has launching a manual entitled AIDS and Theatre.

Produced by young people for young people, the manual proposes an original and creative approach to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The manual illustrates how culture - including the arts and letters, life styles and value systems, traditions and beliefs - can be used for efficient AIDS prevention. Aids and Theatre is currently available in French and will be translated in English in 2004. It can be downloaded at the following address: this site For more information email: culture.aids@unesco.org

4.15 Towards Inclusion: arts and disability information booklet - Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, in its five year plan; 2001-2006 The Arts, Inspiring the imagination, building the future; identifies a strategic approach to increasing the quality of access for disabled people to the arts. The council has published a new information booklet which, it hopes will be of benefit to disabled people and arts organisations in achieving these aims. Follow link here

5.0 ARTS FEATURES AND NEWS

5.1 Northern Territory Indigenous Music Project

Part of the 'Music Play for Life' campaign includes a secondary based indigenous instrumental program for remote community schools. The program brings music education while enhancing life skills, IT competencies in music software and increased opportunities for literacy development through song writing and composition. Many of the schools participating in the program have demonstrated improved school attendance and student retention. The program, in its second year in the Northern Territory, is now being adopted for remote schools in the Kimberley region of West Australia. To find out more email music.playforlife@mca.org.au

5.2 Evaluating arts and health in local councils

The Australian Network for Arts and Health in partnership with Brisbane City Council have evaluated an arts program running through local government for mental health service consumers. The evaluation has identified a successful formula for creating opportunities which can make participants feel valued and part of their community. For more information email info@anah.org.au Follow link here

5.3 New lease of life for Link magazine

After 24 successful years, the publication of Link magazine will be taken over by the Adelaide-based SA Group Enterprises. Every story ever published in Link will become accessible on a new website to be officially launched in 2004. Some of the material can be viewed now by visiting: this site

5.4 A Literary Journey - Autism NetVerse Winning Essay

This year's 4th Place Winner of the Autism NetVerse project was Dorothy Lewis-Heselwood for her essay about how conferences can create opportunities. Follow link here

5.5 The Poem Book - Reflections of a Brain Injury Survivor

The Poem book is a compilation of poems by Daniel Windheim written over the last 20 years since his car accident Follow link here

5.6 First ever disability arts online store UK

Looking for serious artwork? By disabled people? Professional and amateur? From the UK? You've come to the right place! International delivery. Follow link here

6.0 JOBS

6.1 Executive Officer - Accessible Arts (NSW)

Accessible Arts, the peak arts and disability body in NSW, is seeking a new Executive Officer. As an equal opportunity employer Accessible Arts encourages people with a disability to apply. For selection criteria & position description contact Stella Collier 02 9251 6499 or info@aarts.net.au. Applications close 5.00pm Friday February 13 2004. Applications should be hard copies (not email) and should address the selection criteria.

6.2 Worker for 'What is a disability project' - MDAA (NSW)

MDAA is seeking applications for our "What is Disability?" project. This project aims to enhance knowledge and reduce stigma about disability and disability related issues among ethnic communities. For an information package call Rachel; for enquiries about the job call Maureen on (02) 9891 6400. Applications close: 20 February 2004.

6.3 Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD) needs a new deaf actor!

Are you interested? Contact us! Auditions Saturday, 21st February 2004 2pm at 245 Chalmers Street, Redfern. Please contact us by Friday, 13th February. Ph: 02 9310 1255 TTY: 02 9310 1205 Fax: 02 9318 2835 atod@mpx.com.au Follow link here

6.4 Australia Council Community Cultural Development Assistant Program Officer

Applications due by 11 February 2004, based in Sydney $42,717 base salary. Requires knowledge of community cultural development, industry practice and practitioners in Australia as well as demonstrated administration, organisational and project management experience.

Your Feedback, Contributions and Ideas

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