This month we spotlight Caroline Bowditch, CEO of Arts Access Victoria, a disability-led arts organization at the forefront of innovative disability arts practice, access, and inclusion. A graduate of the 2019-2020 Chief Executive Program, Caroline and AAV work to achieve cultural equity for deaf and disabled Australians at every level of the artistic landscape.
We caught up with Caroline to see what this a performer, maker, teacher, speaker, and consultant has been working to develop a vibrant Australian arts sector that reflects our society, her recent struggles, and how you can connect with her.
What are you most proud of in your work life right now?
We have recently secured some significant funding to distribute directly to Deaf and Disabled artists. We have also been working closely with our State’s major funding body who are now offering ring fenced funding for Deaf and Disabled artists with additional funding available to cover access costs. This has never happened in our country before. I’m incredibly proud that we played a role in this becoming a reality.
We have also recently redeveloped our Strategic Plan. Our new plan is unapologetic and that brings me great joy and pride.
What are you most struggling with?
We have been in lockdown, with a work from home direction, for 249 days now, longer than anywhere else in the world. My current struggle is trying to keep our staff team of 53 connected and not feeling constantly frustrated. I have implemented extra Wellness leave days, extended long weekends and extended office closure over the holiday season. I’ve been encouraging staff to go gently with themselves but people seem to be working harder than ever before.
Is there anything this community can do to support you?
I would greatly welcome ideas around how to bring teams together and maintain connection and understanding in this digital space.
Is there anything you want to offer to this community?
Over the last 18 months, and after undertaking the Equity training with Enrich, through NAS, I have developed several digital Disability Equity training packages specifically focused on Cultural Safety from a Disability perspective and cultural context training. I have delivered these sessions to over 1,000 people from a myriad of arts and cultural organisations across Australia. I would be happy to share information from these sessions and/or materials with anyone from this community who would find it useful.