Queensland Government launches new Arts and Disability Plan 2024-26

The Queensland Government has launched a new Arts and Disability Plan 2024-26 aimed at increasing jobs, audiences and markets for the work of Queensland d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts and disability organisations ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Co-designed and disabled-led processes will shape implementation of the plan, which prioritises driving an inclusive arts and cultural sector, amplifying creative careers, and boosting audiences and markets for arts and cultural experiences created by artists and arts workers with disability.

A foundational action of the plan is the establishment of an Arts and Disability Panel to guide Arts Queensland in advancing policy and investment to support disabled-led arts in Queensland.

Queenslanders with disability representing the arts and cultural sector, business, education, community, and other sectors will be invited to consider panel membership when the Expression of Interest (EOI) opens soon.

The plan will be underpinned by $800,000 over the next two years in dedicated funding through the State Government's Creative Together 2020-2030: A 10-Year Roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland and its second action plan, Grow 2022-2026.

The Arts and Disability Plan 2024-2026 also supports the Queensland Disability Plan 2022-27 and the Elevate 2042 legacy strategy, which positions 'Advancing accessibility and empowering people with disability' as a foundational pillar.

QLD Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch noted "Queensland is home to exceptional d/Deaf and disabled artists, who are beginning to receive the professional and community recognition that they have long deserved.

"This new two-year plan is a significant step in growing inclusive arts experiences that ensure Queenslanders and visitors with disability have equitable access.

"Central to this plan is the celebration, representation and recognition of the work and talents of d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers, with actions focused on enabling thriving creative careers.

"As we prepare to welcome the world when we host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is important we showcase the rich diversity of Queensland's stories and culture and celebrate all our talented storytellers. Critical to this is making sure d/Deaf and disabled artists are positioned to share their perspectives and creativity."

Dr Sharon Boyce, Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council and lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland added "as a person with a disability with a real interest in the arts and how it can make such a difference to people's lives wherever they live, I am very excited by the development and launch of the new Arts and Disability Plan for Queensland.

"The new Arts and Disability Plan will create an inclusive and accessible arts community and a real focus on supporting artists from across Queensland. Exciting to me is a real focus on inclusion of artists from rural and regional areas. It will also help create an increased audience participation and support artist access, inclusion and equity.

"At this time in Queensland, the plan focuses on the possibilities that exist and the development of the strong links we have between the arts and disability community and how, together, this can make a real impact for accessible community change."

Douglas Robins, President, Tropical Arts, Cairns shared "being a person living with a disability you search for somewhere to fit. For me, the arts were that place that I not only fit but thrived. This was in a time that inclusion was not fully integrated into the arts and the possibilities it brought not quantified. So, to work as a leader in the regional arts industry at a time an Arts and Disability Plan is being implemented is phenomenal.

"The opportunity Queensland has with the implementation of this Arts and Disability Plan is unprecedented. Artists can now gain skills and have job potential in their communities amongst existing support networks. Disabled artists will contribute and propagate the programming for Brisbane 2032's Cultural Olympiad leading future co-design programs and fulfilling their artistic potential."

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• The Arts and Disability Plan 2024-2026 is a deliverable of the Queensland Government's Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap and its second action plan, Grow 2022-2026.

• The Plan was developed in partnership with the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services.

• It was informed by consultation with more than 200 people of diverse backgrounds and disabilities, including representatives from the arts and cultural sector, disability service providers, peak bodies, education providers and Local Government authorities.

Access the Arts and Disability Plan 2024-2026