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Our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2022-2025 has been developed in close collaboration with the community, reflecting our commitment to integrating accessible ways of working, developing, and presenting art.  

The DIAP is a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure that all aspects of our operations and programs are inclusive and accessible to everyone. 

Methodology and Community Involvement 

To create this plan, we engaged with over 133 individuals from the d/Deaf and Disabled community, as well as staff, our Board, and other stakeholders. This involved access audits by disability-led organisations Loom Consultants and Arts Access, community feedback through an Open Day and digital surveys, and numerous conversations with individuals to gather advice and insights. 

Participants emphasised the importance of continuous engagement and feedback, ensuring accessibility is an ongoing effort, and the need for spaces where artists can focus on their creative work without the added burden of advocacy. This input has guided our focus areas and actions. 

Key Goals and Focus Areas 

Our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan sets out several key goals: 

• Leadership – We aim to support the leadership of d/Deaf and Disabled artists and workers, ensuring they have opportunities to lead and influence our organisation. 

• Team Culture – Developing a team culture that prioritises access at all levels, ensuring that every staff member understands and commits to these principles. 

• Human Rights – Championing human rights by improving access and being considerate and consistent in our efforts. 

• Inclusive Access – Ensuring access is inclusive across the communities we prioritise, including First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, and d/Deaf and Disabled artists. 

• Continuous Improvement – Continuously reviewing, listening, engaging, and collaborating with d/Deaf and Disabled artists, workers, and audience members. 

Commitment to Leadership and Communication 

We are committed to ensuring d/Deaf and Disabled leadership across our organisation. This includes providing training for all staff on disability and access, reviewing and updating policies to embed accessibility, and improving HR processes to support employment and advancement of community. 

We will develop strong communication strategies for audiences and artists, invest in relationships, and work with consultants to evaluate and improve our communication methods, ongoing. 

Enhancing Creativity and Experience 

Our plan also emphasizes supporting artists in their creative endeavors. We will improve project management workflows to embed access at every stage, ensuring our processes are artist-led. Additionally, we aim to provide a cohesive and consistent approach to delivering accessible experiences for visitors and industry professionals, including precinct-wide upgrades to our facilities.  

Achieving Our Goals 

We will regularly review our progress, engage with our Board and staff annually, and publish our achievements on our website. We commit to inviting and analyzing feedback from the community year-round, so please get it touch. 

Join Us on This Journey  

Footscray Community Arts invites everyone in community to join us on this journey towards greater inclusion and accessibility.   

Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape for all. 

For more information about our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2025 visit this webpage here.