Everyone should have equal opportunities to access and participate in the arts. However, for the 1 in 5 of us in Australia living with disability, it’s not always that simple. Barriers such as inaccessible venues, poor communication, inflexible education programs, strobe lighting or even negative attitudes can hinder the ability of all members of our community to create art or enjoy being part of an audience. Despite having a federal Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), Australia still has a way to go before we achieve a level playing field when it comes to participation in cultural life for people with disability. And it’s not all just about ramps and toilets.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and e.Motion21. Photo © Laura Manariti

Various art forms are at different stages of development with their progress and thinking around access and inclusion. Diversity has been a topic of conversation within the theatre and dance sectors, and to a lesser extent, the visual arts sector for some time. However, music, and particularly...