While I would argue that the performing arts sector has done wonders in the last couple of decades of showcasing first nations culture and provide enriching experiences for the developing minds of our youth, and support a wide range of charitable causes – one area that I have always felt the big players in the industry could do more of is focused on those with disabilities – as there is a creative spark in everyone that should be allowed to show. It was something I never got to work on during my time in the industry, but I am glad to see that some venues are giving it more attention.
Co-presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Arts Access Victoria, Alter State is described as a “celebration of disability, creativity and culture”, which seeks to “[seed] something unique for arts and disability” and “[invite] audiences to gather, be curious, and connect with disabled artists across a range of in person and online events. With the event to run from 12 September 2022 to 9 October 2022, for those unable to make it to Victoria, then there is some good news.
While some of the productions will remain in-person only, a range of events during Alter State will also be made available, or exclusively available, online for anyone to enjoy. Below are some of the program elements heading to a digital format during this period, as highlighted by the venue
- Viewers from around the world can access Rodney Bell’s (Ngāti Maniapoto) show Meremere. This award-winning work will be available on demand from 10 October to 31 October.
- There will be an online workshop with Come And Make Performance (CAMP) and access to incredible films with Flaunt from The Other Film Festival which will feature on the Australian Centre for Moving Image’s digital platform Cinema 3.
- The community can connect with Curated Conversations from Australian Performing Arts Market, CheckPoint from Arts Access Victoria as well as collaborations with YIRRAMBOI Festival and the Arts Wellbeing Collective.
A full program for the event (online and in-person) can be found HERE.
It is exciting to have such a bespoke and accessible range of online events for Alter State. The commitment to providing these digital offerings means that as many people as possible can be a part of the festival, regardless of where they live, their personal situations and scheduling preferences.
During the pandemic, there was a wave of companies and organisations moving into the digital space with some doing it better than others. Arts Centre Melbourne has shown an honest and considered approach to introducing digital offerings and Arts Access Victoria’s role has centred the value and importance of Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences.
We hope this is experienced when audiences explore the incredible artistic offerings available across Alter State’s digital program.
Fiona Tuomy – Manager of Digital Innovation at Arts Access Victoria
