The Allan Labor Government is making sure more creative spaces in Victoria have infrastructure that makes them accessible for the whole community, with new grants to improve workplaces and community spaces across the state.
Minister for Creative Industires Colin Brooks today announced the seven recipients of the Labor Government’s Making Space program, with an investment of $500,000 in these grants to support Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences.
The program will help organisations upgrade and redevelop infrastructure to remove barriers and ensure every Victorian has equal opportunity to participate in our sector.
Warrnambool-based creative collective Find Your Voice will upgrade its headquarters, including upgrading its office space to improve sensory access.
Flow Festival Australia will create a Deaf-led digital space for Deaf and hard-of- hearing artists and art workers that will allow increased participation in all areas of their Deaf arts festival.
Inclusive performing and creative arts organisation BAM Arts Inc will make the bathrooms at its Frankston headquarters accessible.
Collingwood Yards will install new automated doors to improve accessibility to common areas.
Independent dance hub Dancehouse will improve physical access including updating its front ramp, widening doors and adding an automated door its acccessible toilet.
Street dance organisation Cypher Culture will launch an accessible website with a livestreaming system.
Footscray live music venue Mamma Chen’s will upgrade its venue to improve Deaf and Disabled patrons’ experience, including updating lighting, improving acoustics and installing new livestreaming equipment.
Managed by Arts Access Victoria on behalf of the Labor Government, the Making Space program is an initiative of the Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy.
For more information on Making Space, visit creative.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“The first of its kind in Victoria, Making Space enables more Victorians to contribute to our world-famous creative culture, helps Deaf and Disabled-led organisations grow and demonstrates practical ways to improve access.”
As stated by Arts Access Victoria CEO Caroline Bowditch
“The demand for these grants reminded us about how inaccessible creative spaces, systems and structures still are. This type of targeted investment has the potential to change the cultural landscape for all Victorians.”
