Advocate for Yourself: Finding your voice in negotiating as a creative

With Ebony Wightman (We Are Studios) and Hannah Donnelly (Utp)

Webinar Overview:

Let’s talk about finding your voice as an artist when working with organisations.

It can be really exciting to be asked to be part of an exhibition, event, performance program or the development of a new work, but sometimes it can be daunting to advocate for your professional, personal or access needs or requirements.

In this conversation with artist, creative leader and Disability advocate, Ebony Wightman (We Are Studios) and curator and writer, Hannah Donnelly (Utp), we cover a range of issues that independent creative practitioners may face when delivering work with organisations and some useful tips on how to raise different issues, confidently negotiate with program partners and advocate for yourself.

Join our guest artists along with Create NSW Senior Manager of Arts Strategy and Engagement, Bec Dean.

The webinar presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A. The session will be recorded.

About Ebony Wightman

Ebony Wightman is a Western Sydney artist, creative leader, and Disability advocate with a passion for systems thinking, social justice, and access for all. Ebony’s practice champions disability-led perspectives and explores her lived experience as an Autistic person with Disability. Ebony co-founded We Are Studios, Australia’s first 100% disability-led studio.

About Hannah Donnelly

Hannah Donnelly (She/Her) is Wiradjuri curator and writer living and working on Dharug Country. Hannah joined Utp in 2023 as Co-Artistic Director bringing a unique set of skills to arts leadership, including a background working in policy across human rights and fee-for-service cultural safety training. In 2022, Hannah established the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s First Nations permanent exhibition at Yirranma Place, she was a curatorium member for Rivus the 23rd Biennale of Sydney and she edited Blacklight (Sweatshop), a literary anthology of First Nations storytelling from Western Sydney. Her practice and curatorial research spans Indigenous Futures, south-eastern Aboriginal art and intergenerational/intercultural collaborations. Hannah has previously held roles at Arts & Cultural Exchange, Carriageworks and Next Wave.

Images: L-R Ebony Wightman (supplied), Hannah Donnelly (photo credit Jacquie Manning)