About the Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program
The $2.2 million Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program (the Program) runs over three years (2025–26 to 2027–28). It is funded through Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan, the Australian Government’s four-year, $8.1 million plan to build equity for artists, arts workers and audiences with disability across Australia.
The Program will connect early to mid-career d/Deaf and Disabled artists and arts workers (see Definitions), including those facing multiple and intersecting barriers, with arts, cultural, screen and digital games organisations through a supported matching process. Around 20 participants will take up paid placements of up to 12 months across Australia, in two cohorts commencing April and June 2027.
The objectives of the Program are:
- to support d/Deaf and Disabled artists and workers in the arts, cultural, screen and digital games sectors to build professional skills and networks to advance their careers
- to support arts, cultural, screen and digital games host organisations to become more accessible, equitable, and culturally safe
- to collect feedback on the impact of temporary job placements in the arts, cultural, screen and digital games sectors for d/Deaf and Disabled people, and for the host organisations.
- to provide an evidence base for future Australian Government policy development.
About the Consortium
Following a competitive grant process, a Consortium managed by Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) and comprising Insightful, A2K Media and Shifting Ground was selected to deliver the program. The University of Technology Sydney is the Program’s research partner. DARTS is the national voice for ethno-cultural and racial equity in the arts, cultural and creative industries, working intersectionally and in partnership to deliver research, training, resources, events, creative projects and professional development.
The Consortium brings expertise in Disability-led, First Nations and culturally diverse creative practice, workplace access facilitation, cultural safety, training and mentoring, arts and anti-discrimination policy, equitable employment and organisational change. Collectively, we have decades of experience working with d/Deaf and Disabled, First Nations, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, Culturally and Racially Marginalised, Queer, Trans and Intersex, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities and organisations.
In consultation with the Office for the Arts, the Consortium oversees the Program and supports the Program Coordinator, participants and host organisations across recruitment, selection, placement planning, delivery, data collection, grant reporting and evaluation, with a shared focus on culturally safer and more accessible placements.
Insightful
www.linkedin.com/in/imogen-yang-a39113106/
A2K Media
www.a2kmedia.com.au
Shifting Ground
www.shiftingground.com.au