New funding aims to improve accessibility at Victorian creative spaces

The Victorian Government’s Making Space program is investing $500,000 to ensure more creative spaces across the state have infrastructure that makes them accessible for the whole community, especially Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences.

Managed by Arts Access Victoria, the Making Space program is an initiative of the Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks notes “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.”

Arts Access Victoria Chief Executive Caroline Bowditch adds “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.”

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 accessible 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.

For more information on Making Space, visit creative.vic.gov.au.

Image. Credit: Dancehouse