Arts and disability

The Government is designing a new pilot program under Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan (Equity) called the Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program (the Program). 

The Program will match early to mid-career d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers with arts and cultural organisations, including in the screen and digital games sectors, for temporary job placements of up to 12 months for any art form and any position level across Australia. Placements are expected to start in 2026-27.

The main objectives of the Program are to support d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers to build professional skills and networks to advance their careers, and uplift disability confidence and cultural safety within the arts, cultural, digital games and screen sectors.

Consultation

Many thanks to everyone who made a submission to our consultation on the Program. The consultation is now closed.

Feedback from the consultation will be provided to the Implementation Advisory Group for Equity to inform their advice on the design and implementation of the Program.

Further information

As it is developed, more information about the Program will be available on this page and the department's social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you would like to stay updated, you can also register for the Equity e-newsletter through our contact form.

Support

If this consultation raised any concerns or you feel distressed, you may wish to contact a support service. The following services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, and can be accessed at:

• Support Act (for people in the music and arts industries):
  • Phone: 1800 959 500
• Lifeline:
  • Phone: 13 11 14
  • Text: 0477 131 114
  • Online chat
• Beyond Blue:
  • Phone: 1300 224 636
  • Online chat

Additional information about mental health and wellbeing support is also available on the Creative Workplaces website.

Privacy

For the consultation, we did not collect names or contact details of individuals or organisations.

We have responsibilities for how we handle your information. You can find out more through the Privacy Policy for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. 

We have also developed a Privacy Collection Notice for this consultation. It provides information about how we handle the information we collected as part of this consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits for artists and arts workers?

The Program will support d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers to further build professional skills and networks to advance their careers. Participants will be employed under applicable award or agreement wages and conditions.

What are the benefits for placement organisations?

Placement organisations will benefit from taking part in the Program by gaining access to skilled talent whose salaries will be paid through the Program.

What are the benefits for the organisation/s managing the placements?

Organisations that currently provide services to d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers and have experience in improving organisational accessibility can apply to deliver the placement program. They can do this either by themselves or in partnership with another organisation/s, to build their experience and networks through program delivery.

How can my organisation apply to deliver the Program?

A competitive grants process is expected to open in the first half of 2026. This will involve the selection of an experienced organisation or multiple organisations to deliver the Program. If you would like to stay updated, you can register for the Equity e-newsletter through our contact form.