Arts Access Victoria joins forces with the Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD)

30 June 2010

Arts Access Victoria is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Australian Theatre of the Deaf that will secure the future of this unique Australian performing company.

ATOD’s agreement with AAV will see it come under the auspices of the Deaf Arts Network and will be permanently located at AAV with its own rehearsal and performance space.

“ATOD’s agreement with AAV is founded on a mutual desire to reinvigorate deaf theatre in Australia,” says Andrew Wiltshire, Chairman of ATOD. “After thirty years of performances it is time for ATOD to take a new direction. Working with AAV and the Deaf Arts Network, we can further broaden the opportunities for deaf expression and deaf participation in the arts.”

Veronica Pardo, Arts Access Victoria’s Executive Director, adds “For some time we have recognised the need for a professional deaf theatre company in Victoria, and this partnership with ATOD allows us to build on its strong reputation for innovative performance. ATOD will continue to provide a vibrant avenue of expression for Australia’s AUSLAN community, as well as offering mainstream audiences the opportunity to engage with deaf stories and deaf experiences.”

From 2011 ATOD will enter into a period of regeneration, focussing on the professional development of a number of talented deaf actors. This will include collaborations with a variety of arts companies. These residencies and mentorships are designed to further equip ATOD’s actors to take their stories to mainstream arts audiences.

An Auslan translation of this media release is available on YouTube HERE

If you have any enquiries, please email Arts Access Victoria at communications@artsaccess.com.au