On 9 October 2009, the Cultural Ministers Council agreed to the National Arts and Disability Strategy, which sets out a vision for improving access and participation in the artistic and cultural activities for people with disabilities. The Strategy provides a framework within which jurisdictions can assess and improve existing activities. It also identifies new priority projects that could be progressed as national initiatives or by individual jurisdictions.
The Strategy sets out eight underlying principles that will guide its implementation. These address issues such as the right for all Australians to have access to, and participate in, arts and cultural activities, and the need for people with a disability to be involved in the decisions that affect them.
Ministers have agreed on four priority areas for action. These are:
The Strategy is the result of extensive consultation, including 115 submissions made in response to a discussion paper released in late 2008, targeted consultation with arts and disability peak bodies, and consultation with government agencies at all levels.
Ministers have agreed to monitor progress on the Strategy every year. Information about activities that take place as part of the Strategy will be made available on the CMC website. Ministers will also review the Strategy after three years, in consultation with the arts and disability sector.
The Strategy is available in the following formats:
All Auslan and audio versions include transcripts. Further versions of the Strategy, including plain text with visuals, Braille, and standard hard copies, will be made available shortly.
If you would like to request a copy of any of the versions of the Strategy, please contact Jacqui Uhlmann on 1800 185 693, or by email at arts.disability@environment.gov.au.
For further information on the Strategy please contact:
Ms Jacqui Uhlmann
Secretariat
National Arts and Disability Strategy Working Group
Arts Division
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Tel: +1800 185 693
Fax: +61 2 6275 9663
Email: arts.disability@environment.gov.au