Cultural Policy fails people with disabilities

By now you will have heard that the National Cultural Policy offers little for Australians with a disability. Not only is there no funding for the National Arts and Disability Strategy, but instead, the policy calls for a culture of tolerance towards people with a disability.

Please join us in delivering a strong and unified message to the Commonwealth Government that this is unacceptable. We call on all our partners to forward the letter below and attached to minister@arts.gov.au and to your local federal members of parliament, to demonstrate a shared commitment to equality, access and the celebration of the unique contribution of artists with a disability to Australia’s cultural life. You can find your local member by visiting http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Members.

 
We would also appreciate it if you could cc info@artsaccessaustralia.org so that we can accurately gauge the level of response.

Here is a sample letter:

Dear (insert name of minister or local member)

I welcomed the release of the National Cultural Policy, Creative Australia last week. However, I am writing to share with you my concern that the needs of the 4.2 million Australians with disability have not been adequately addressed. In particular, I am dismayed by the fact that the policy refers to the need for tolerance of people with disability, rather than celebrating the quality of work produced by artists with a disability across Australia and their contribution to the Australian arts industries.

Firstly, I call on the Government to make a formal apology to Australians with disability for promoting tolerance rather than equity in a policy designed for all Australians.

Secondly, I call on the Government to acknowledge the important role people with disability have to play in Australia’s arts and cultural life.

Thirdly, I call on the Government to make the $24 million investment over four years required to fully implement the National Arts and Disability Strategy.

Finally, I call on the Government to tell Australians with disability how organisations funded under Creative Australia will be supported to ensure their programs and services are accessible to people with disability.

By doing so,  the Australian Government will demonstrate their true commitment to ensuring people with disability have full and equal access to arts and culture in Australia. Thank you.