Ongoing discussion and action within access and inclusion is creating slow but positive changes within Australia. At a time of such upheaval and uncertainty, we move towards rebuilding better, fairer and so we can stand tall to make work together. The ASSITEJ International Manifesto will inspire bigger conversations and bring light to where and how we still need to work and pledges and promises that need honouring. Initiatives for access and inclusion at Youth Arts companies in Australia continue to grow. ActNow Theatre have a pathways program for First Nations Artists, Western Edge Youth Arts create inclusive and exciting spaces for young people to meet (currently online) and create and many other companies are reviewing and recreating programs to welcome more artists, young people and children,
The excellent team at Diversity Arts Australia have compiled the Creative Equity Toolkit. Companies, artists and citizens alike can rely on them to be incisive, direct and infinitely helpful in addressing systemic racism, cultural consultations, policies and evaluation and monitoring.
We are excited to share this and hope it helps us all move in the right direction away from exclusion, division and unfairness within our artmaking with for and by young people.