Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

New initiative set to create a more inclusive Arts Sector

New initiative set to create a more inclusive Arts Sector
August 15, 2019

Bendigo Art Gallery is one of ten leading Victorian arts organisations set to be the first to take part in a transformative program to become more diverse and inclusive.

Fair Play: Equity, Inclusion and the Creative Industries is a first-of-its-kind initiative backed by the Victorian Government to ensure the state’s creative sector better reflects its diverse communities.

The participating organisations are:

• Regional Arts Victoria (RAV)
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image
• Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
• Bendigo Art Gallery
• Warrnambool Art Gallery          
• The Wheeler Centre
• Melbourne International Arts Festival
• Music Victoria
• Theatre Network Australia
• Emerging Writers’ Festival

The program acknowledges that particular groups are under-represented at all levels of Australia’s creative landscape and focuses on building organisational capacity and opportunities.

Tailored to each organisation, the program seeks to reduce barriers to leadership, employment and participation faced by First Peoples, Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Victorians with a disability.

Research by Diversity Arts Australia analysed the leadership of 200 Australia arts and cultural organisations and found that culturally and linguistically diverse Australians comprise only about 10% of leadership and board roles – despite making up 39% of the population.

To address this and other issues of under-representation, organisations will be matched with expert mentors.

Organisations will learn how to adapt their programs and practices to improve accessibility, respect and inclusion of marginalised communities, and set realistic goals for change.

Fair Play is being delivered by Diversity Arts Australia and addresses one of the priorities of the State Creative State strategy. A further 10 organisations will be selected to participate in 2020.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley advised "diverse voices and perspectives bring better understanding and strength to our workplaces, boardrooms and creative offerings – Fair Play seeks to do just that.”

“I commend each of the participating organisations and their leadership who have shown a genuine commitment to equity and inclusion and to creating meaningful change.”

Diversity Arts Australia Executive Director Lena Nahlous added "this project goes far beyond the tick-boxing exercises of most diversity programs.

"The Victorian Government should be acknowledged for developing such a groundbreaking initiative.”

Related Articles

19th July 2019 - City of Bendigo highlights its thriving creative industries

5th July 2019 - ACMI to manage Bendigo Creative Industries Hub

24th April 2019 - Bendigo Art Gallery Guides celebrate 30th anniversary 

13th September 2018 - Bendigo’s Capital Venues and Events named Performing Arts Centre of the Year

1st June 2017 - Music Victoria releases 10 Point Plan for live music

2nd April 2015 - Museum gives voice to diversity

14th December 2014 - New minister aims for a more creative Victoria

29th July 2014 - Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre welcomes patronage rise

5th November 2011 - $3 million pledged for new Bendigo theatre

29th August 2011 - New funding for artists to build a creative Australia


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Felton Industries

Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…

read more

Parks / Play / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Jonas Leisure

Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Sport

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

Goplay Commercial Playground Equipment

Goplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…

read more

Play

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business