Accessing the Arts Group (ATAG)
What is ATAG?
"The Accessing the Arts (NSW) Group (ATAG) is dedicated to improving access for people with disabilities within the arts, disseminating current best practice and providing a forum for arts professionals to discuss areas of interest." (Anita Toft)
Who can join ATAG?
ATAG members work in programming, education and customer relations areas within arts organisations. All members recognize that part of their role is to increase access for people with disabilities to their events, venues and programs. Arts organisations represented in ATAG include: the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Powerhouse Museum. The group is growing each year and currently has 45 members.
What is the role of ATAG?
All members play an advocacy role within their organisation. In 2008, we are focusing on the goal for ATAG to act as a lobby group across the arts and at all levels of government including grassroots and key decision makers.
As a member of the ATAG network you will receive the latest news about arts and disability programs and initiatives through the Chair. In 2008 we have a rotating Chairperson. ATAG raises the profile of issues discussed at meetings by distributing a media release after each meeting promoting key outcomes. These media releases are distributed to all ATAG members for promotion to their contacts including directors, CEOs and managers within their organisation.
Topics for 2008
In February each year, a planning meeting is held to identify topics of interest for ATAG meetings. The following topics have been identified for meetings in 2008:
22 April Topic: Audio Description
Chair: Jo Michel, Ticketing Services Manager, Sydney Theatre Company
Representatives from Sydney Theatre and Vision Australia will discuss and demonstrate the experience provided to patrons with their Audio Description services, including their service providing access to stage and props given to patrons prior to the performance.
2 July Topic: Western Sydney Arts and Disability Programs
Chair: Cali Vandyk-Dunlevy, Cultural Development Officer, Penrith City Council
@ Orchestral Room, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (10:00am - 12:00pm)
597 High St, Penrith NSW 2750
Representatives from Penrith Regional Gallery and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre discuss their experience in delivering programs for artists and audiences with a disability.
24 September Topic: Cross-sector Communication ((Extraordinary Meeting))
Host: Alison McLaren, Audience Development Officer, Accessible Arts
ATAG and the Accessible Arts Reference Group come together during an evening meeting to discuss both audience and arts venue access perspectives.
11 November Topic: Accessible Arts
Chair: Liz Tomkinson, Program and Events Officer, Australian National Maritime Museum
An overview of Accessible Arts including:
Josie Cavallaro, Arts Development Officer will present key arts and disability initiatives.
Alison McLaren, Audience Development Officer will invite input into the draft ‘Arts and Disability Action Strategy’ and the review of ‘Accessing the Arts Resources’.
How can I get involved?
To become a member of ATAG, please contact Alison McLaren, Audience Development Officer on ph 02 9251 6499 (ext.6); fax 02 9251 6499 or email amclaren@aarts.net.au.