The Andrews Labor Government has launched a new program to improve accessibility among Deaf and Disabled creatives, ensuring more Victorians are included in creative spaces and experiences.
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos today announced Making Space, a Victorian-first grants program supporting infrastructure projects that places accessibility at the forefront. The program offers fundings of $50,000 to $100,000 for Victorian projects that enhance physical, sensory or digital access.
Grants can be used across physical refurbishments such as improvements to pathways and parking around venues and buildings or amending the heights of fixtures and fittings so that all people can reach door handles, elevator buttons, light switches and more.
Sensory access upgrades could see the creation of quiet spaces, tactile signage, dimmable and flexible lighting and hearing augmentation systems to improve the experience of Deaf and Disabled people in the space.
Funding could also be used on digital projects like the development of accessible websites, new equipment or software to facilitate livestreaming, automated captioning and chat systems.
Making Space is open to Victorian-based creative organisations and collectives that are led by Deaf and Disabled people. Organisations or collectives with a commitment to disability leadership in their staff, board, subcommittees or advisory groups may also apply.
The program has been developed by Deaf and Disabled creatives alongside access experts and delivered by the state's peak body for arts and disability, Arts Access Victoria.
Improving access for Deaf and Disabled creatives and audiences is an action of the Labor Government's Creative State strategy.
Applications are now open and close on 10 October 2023. To apply visit artsaccess.com.au/making-space/.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
"Ensuring all Victorians have equitable opportunities to build creative careers or participate in creative experiences is at the heart of our Creative State strategy.
"Making Space is going to strengthen our creative sector and have a lasting impact on Victoria's talented Deaf and Disabled creative community - workers and audiences alike."
As stated by Arts Access CEO Caroline Bowditch
"Arts Access Victoria is thrilled to deliver Making Space infrastructure funding grants, supporting Creative Victoria's goal of increasing access to creative spaces and activity."
