Expressions of Interest are now open for our exciting new initiative – Songsmiths: a program for songwriters who are d/Deaf or disabled. 

Resulting from an extensive disability-led co-design process, the Songsmiths program provides a new collective space for d/Deaf and disabled artists to collaborate and create music, with a focus on self-determination, mentorship and creative access.  

Up to twelve (12) people will be selected for this paid opportunity, which aims to initiate fruitful creative connections between d/Deaf and disabled songwriters in order to strengthen craft, build resilience and increase industry knowledge. Songwriters at all career stages with disability or who are d/Deaf are encouraged to apply. 

 

What To Expect

Songsmiths will take place both in person and online and will cover every stage in the creation, recording and releasing of a song.

Stage One

• Introductory online sessions where participants will get to know each other and the program facilitators. Topics will cover Songcraft 101, copyright laws and how to navigate access requirements in a changing industry.
• This will comprise a two-hour online session every week for 6 weeks, starting 1 April 2026.
• Participants will be paid $50/hour ($600 total) plus 12% superannuation for Stage One.

Stage Two

• Up to 6 days of in-person writing and recording sessions in professional facilities, collaborating with other songwriters and expert Facilitators and Producers with and without disability
• Writing and recording sessions will take place at City of Sydney Creative Studios. Click here to learn about accessibility at the studios.  
• Session Dates will be 27, 28 and 29 May and 1, 2 and 3 June 2026 
• Participants will be paid $50/hour for six 8-hour days ($2400 total) plus 12% superannuation for Stage Two.

Stage Three

• Sharing results with industry professionals and receiving valuable guidance on releasing and promoting music.
• This will comprise a five-hour session, in person or online, held in the week starting Monday 20 July 2026.
• Participants will be paid $50/hour ($250 total) plus 12% superannuation for Stage Three.

The selected participants will be working with expert facilitators and producers including: 

• Bec Sandridge
• Bart Denaro 
• Anna Laverty
• Annaïs Paris
• Irene Zhong
• Fletcher Babb

Access 

Applicants will need to provide their access requirements via the application form.  

Successful applicants will be provided with Music Access and Inclusion Masterclass training.  

Who can apply?

• Applicants must identify as being d/Deaf or a person with disability  
• Applicants must be over the age of 18 when applying 
• Applicants must live in NSW 
• Applicants must have previous experience, at any level, with songwriting 

Apply Now

NSW songwriters at all career stages with disability or who are d/Deaf are encouraged to apply.

Before applying, please read the Songsmiths Expression of Interest Guidelines: Word | PDF

Click here to apply online

Alternatively, you can download the Expression of Interest form: Word | PDF

If you cannot access the online Expression of Interest form, please note that applications will be accepted in other formats that are accessible including Auslan, audio, video, printed, dictated, electronic and handwritten formats.

If you have any questions about the program, please email info@aarts.net.au

Applications close Sunday 8 February 2026 at 11pm 

Applications will be assessed by a panel of Accessible Arts staff, including people with disability. All applicants will be notified of the results by early March 2026. 

Meet the Facilitators

Irene Zhong – Singer/Songwriter, Folk Musician and Composer

Bart Denaro – Musician

Disability-Led Program Co-Design

Developed in partnership between Accessible Arts, Arts Access Victoria, and APRA AMCOS, Songsmiths is the result an extensive co-design process led by renowned access consultant and disabled musician Morwenna Collett, with Annaïs Paris, Amber Wilcox, Rohan Brooks, Fletcher Babb, Irene Zhong and Dan Pash.

Further development and refining of this program was overseen by a creative advisory group, featuring songwriters with lived experience of disability and/or extensive experience working with songwriters who are d/Deaf or disabled, which included:   

• Siobahn McGinnity (Magnets) 
• Randolph Reimann (Tralala Blip, Massappeal) 
• Eliza Hull
• Irene Zhong  
• Fletcher Babb (Cold Ghost) 
• Annaïs Paris (Infinite Skies) 
• Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt (Merpire) 
• Luke Escombe (The Vegetable Plot) 
• Breanna Jones (Library Siesta) 
• Liz Martin (Songwriter, CEO Accessible Arts) 
• Dan Pash (Songsmiths Project Manager) 

Stay tuned as introductory videos from the Songsmiths designers and facilitators will be released soon.

This NSW Songsmiths initiative is proudly supported by Sound NSW, Music Australia, APRA AMCOS, and Create NSW, the principal funding partner of Accessible Arts. 

ENDS 

Image Description: SONGSMITHS is written on a black background. SONG is white with a pink play button in place of the O, and SMITHS is in colourful bold text that is reflected underneath. A sub-heading reads: Forging new paths for d/Deaf and disabled songwriters.