Voice, Agency and Integrity
Report on the outcomes of Diversity Arts Australia’s Beyond Tick Boxes symposium
The “Voice, Agency and Integrity” Report produced by Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) has highlighted barriers within the arts and cultural sector to broader representation of Australia s cultural diversity that include systemic discrimination, tokenism and misrepresentation.
The report compiles issues, direct experiences and potential solutions to entrenched barriers that were identified in key-note industry addresses and expert forums at a symposium hosted by DARTS last year.
DARTS, in partnership with Create NSW and supported by the National Theatre of Parramatta, launched the Voice, Agency & Integrity reprot on Friday, 5 October at Riverside Theatres Parramatta. Guests from across NSW’s creative sectors were called on to support actions leading to a more inclusive, culturally diverse and relevant arts and screen sector.
CALLS TO IMPROVE UNDER-REPRESENTATION
The report calls for actions to improve the current under- representation of people from culturally diverse backgrounds at all levels of the creative sector:
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- Making culturally diverse artists and creatives more visible
- Measuring diversity to increase diversity
- Taking affirmative action
- Creating an enabling environment
- Supporting the role of DARTS
- Make our own art
SPEAKERS
Executive Director of Investment and Engagement at Create NSW, Elizabeth W. Scott, spoke at the launch, followed by dynamic ‘TED-style’ talks by creative leaders. Speakers included:
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- Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director, Sydney Theatre Company read his speech here.
- Winnie Dunn, writer; editor and manager of Sweatshop Western Sydney Literacy Movement read her speech here.
- Esther Anatolitis, Executive Director, National Association for the Visual Arts Read Esther’s thoughts here.
- Roanna Gonsalves, Author; Winner, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards (2018). Read Roanna’s speech published at Southern Crossings.
DARTS’ Executive Director Lena Nahlous said, “We need to move the conversation from simply talking about the merits of diversity to creating concrete actions and steps that will shift the sector. The time for change is now.”
LAUNCH OF “VOICE AGENCY AND INTEGRITY” REPORT
1.45pm, Friday 5th October 2018
Raffertys Theatre, Riverside Parramatta
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Lena Nahlous, DARTS’ Executive Director.
02-8821 9169 / lena.nahlous@diversityarts.
LIVESTREAM THE LAUNCH
Watch our Facebook livestream of the launch – live from 2pm to 3:30pm Friday 5 October:
https://www.
Want a hard copy of the report?
We need to move the conversation from simply talking about the merits of diversity to creating concrete actions and steps that will shift the sector. The time for change is now.
I am not interested in how arts organisations can measure me. I’m interested in how Indigenous and culturally linguistically diverse artists can ensure that they are being wholeheartedly supported by arts organisations through consistent and meaningful funding, training and employment. It is only through our self-determination that equality and justice can occur.