Octapod is committed to supporting participation in the arts by everyone, including people with disability. 

ACCESS INITIATIVE: ART COUNTS

Since 2010 we have supported the Disability Network Hunter to deliver an annual art exhibition and creative skills development program for people with disability (Art Counts). The Disability Network Hunter is a collaboration of local disability support organisations and individuals with the aim of promoting full integration and equity for all people at all levels of the community.

The Art Counts project aims to provide opportunities for all artists with disabilities to not only showcase their unique talents and gifts but to engage with the community through a creative medium. The theme for the 2012 exhibition is 'pARTicipate'.

ACCESS INITIATIVE: HUNTER ARTS ACCESS NETWORK

The Hunter Arts Access Network was established in late 2011 by a community member with support from Arts Upper Hunter. Since early 2012 Octapod has taken the lead role in facilitating this network, which seeks to establish connections and communications between accessible arts program providers and arts access workers across the Hunter region.

ACCESS INITIATIVE: HUNTER ARTSWORKER DATABASE

During 2012/2013 we will be setting up a database of artists who have experience working with people with disability. The database is intended as a useful resource for the disability sector - it will assist disability organisations to locate appropriate locally based artists that services can partner with to broaden the types of arts development and learning available to service users. The artsworker database will be available on www.culturehunter.org, a website dedicated to arts and culture in the Hunter.

This database is in the very early stages of development. Check back here regularly for updates.

For more information about Octapod's Access Program, contact:

Christina Robberds,  Octapod  Coordinator

Email: admin[at]octapod.org

Phone: 4927 0470