Our work to support equitable access to the arts for people with disability is full steam ahead.

Dark blue abstract figure with arms outstretched, surrounded by colourful curved shapes in orange, yellow and blue. Text reads ‘International Day of People with Disability.’

Today marks International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This year’s theme invites us to create disability inclusive societies to advance social progress.

We’re supporting this goal through Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan (Equity), a 4-year roadmap of activities to build the foundations for equity for artists, arts workers and audiences with disability across Australia.

Launched on 14 November 2024, the plan contains an $8.1 million investment in actions to drive change and address barriers to equity. It supports the arts sector to build its capability to provide safer, more accessible and more inclusive workplaces and businesses. Actions delivered this year include:

  • Consultation on the development of the $2.25 million Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program: 162 public submissions are currently being used to shape the program, which will match early to mid-career d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers with arts, cultural, screen and digital games organisations for temporary paid job placements of up to 12 months. The grants process will run in early 2026 and placements are expected to start in 2027.
  • Appointment of the Implementation Advisory Group: 13 members are using their lived experience of disability to influence the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of key activities under Equity.
  • $1.6 million in Revive Live program grants: awarded to 33 music festivals and 24 live music venues to support them to improve accessibility for audiences with disability and career pathways for musicians and music workers with disability.

Progress is also being made in other areas, including:

  • Funding the new Arts and Disability Network, a collective of 7 state and territory arts and disability peak bodies, to be a national voice for arts and disability culture and provide services and resources for creative industries and workplaces.
  • Developing a new National Arts and Disability Code of Practice.
  • Expanding Creative Australia’s arts and disability initiatives to support the practice of d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers.
  • Investing in First Nations arts and disability needs and projects through Creative Australia’s First Nations Board.

If you would like to register for updates on Equity, including opportunities to be involved or provide feedback, you can sign up via our contact form.