Diversity and inclusion project launches today

Funded by the Victorian Government’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, the Fair Play project will provide 20 Victorian creative organisations with the tools and training to improve equity and inclusion in leadership, programming, staff, marketing, audience development and more.

Minister for Creative Industries, The Hon Martin Foley shares his support for both the Symposium and the launch of the Fair Play project.

“It’s so important that our creative state allows diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, and gives everyone in the community the chance to express themselves and access creative experiences that speak to who they are,” he says.

The Symposium which is held at The Wheeler Centre over two days is presented by Diversity Arts Australia and highlights the important role the creative sector plays in supporting stories and narratives that represent our society, with a focus on the challenges faced by disability, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities.

Executive Director of Diversity Arts Australia, Lena Nahlous says there must be a change in order to truly reflect the society and communities we live in and inclusion must happen at every level of the arts – from audience, production, management, onstage and behind-the-scenes through to administration.

“Our stories tell us who we are, and reinforce our cultural values.

“It is imperative that our arts represent and reflect the real diversity of our society.

“Issues of access and agency are being discussed in the public sphere now more than ever, and we should harness this moment to drive real creative sector change.

“The research shows, and artists tell us, that there is an urgent need for systemic change if we are to create an arts sector that truly reflects the reality of The Australian population,” she says.

Over two days of discussion, performances and keynote presentations, the Fair Play Symposium will explore the knowledge, leading practices and lived experiences from within these creative communities and share this knowledge with the arts industry and broader community. 

The expressions of interest for organisations are currently open and close on the 3 March with selection of the first 10 applicants in April. To apply click here.

For more information on the event click here.