Join our first Access Ideas and Insights quarterly panel discussion for 2023, presented both in person and online.

Learn from some of Sydney’s leading artists with disability as they discuss how the pandemic has shifted how we create and experience performance-based art. From comedians and actors to directors and playwrights, this exciting line-up features professional artists across multiple artforms and will provide insights into the latest innovations of the performing arts industry.

This is a hybrid event, facilitating access both in person and online. There will be a 45 minute panel discussion, followed by a 15 minute Q&A.

Join in person at the Sydney Opera House Centre for Creativity
Join online via an accessible platform supported by Pyrus Event Services

Speakers:

Debra Keenahan | Artist and Writer

Debra is a multi-disciplinary artist working between video, performance, identity and social engagement. Her new work ‘Othering’ will premiere this month as part of the 2023 Sydney festival and her work ‘Smashing’ screened last year as part of the Cannes Short Film Festival: Independent Films. Debra is also a psychologist, academic and author, and has been a consultant to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on issues of Disability. Debra’s achondroplasia dwarfism informs her art by focussing upon the personal and social impacts of disability.

Anthea Williams | Director

Anthea is an established and award winning theatre director. Her work aims to foreground marginalised experiences by creating space for new and diverse voices. She often works with radical dramaturgies in order to privilege the relegated or forgotten. Anthea was Associate Director – New Work at Belvoir Street Theatre for seven years. Prior to this she was Associate Director at London’s Bush Theatre. Anthea is a Churchill Fellow and for her fellowship she researched script and writer development in the USA, UK and Canada. Anthea regularly writes about disability and representation for The Guardian Australia.

Jamal Abdul | Comedian

Jamal performed as part of Vivid Ideas and the Cowra Comedy Festival in 2022 with ‘Are You Pulling My Leg?’ He was the winner of the Stand Up and Be Counted Comedy Competition in 2017 and RAW Comedy State Finalist in 2018. He has performed as a part of the Sydney Comedy Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival and has received great reviews.

MC:

Liz Martin | Accessible Arts CEO
With over 20 years’ experience working across the Australian arts and disability sector as advocate, musician, producer, project manager, trainer and advisor, Liz Martin is driven to contribute to an arts sector that is authentically representative, diverse, and accessible for everyone. Sydney-based, Liz Martin is an award-winning musician and Chief Executive Officer of Accessible Arts.

Access

This event will be Auslan interpreted and have live closed captioning both in-person and online.

If you have any access requirements, please advise us when registering. Please note that we may need 72 hours notice to accommodate your requirements. For more information, please contact info@aarts.net.au

Accessible Arts is proudly supported by Create NSW and this Hybrid Event Series has been made possible with support from the City of Sydney, Sydney Opera House and Pyrus Event Services.