We want you to participate in Nexus 2021!

Nexus 2021 is a free professional development program Deaf and Disabled artists aged 18- 26

What is Nexus 2021?

Nexus 2021 is a free professional development program for artists at any skill or career level.

It is designed for and by Deaf and Disabled people, to support and help you jump-start your career in the arts.

Nexus runs for eight weeks and each week focuses on a different topic.

You are welcome to come along to all eight sessions, or book into just a few depending on your career interests and needs.

Who can participate?

Nexus 2021 is for Deaf and Disabled artists aged 18-26.

Everyone is welcome to apply no matter arts skills or career level.

What is in the program and what are the session dates?

3 August – Session 1: Claiming Space

Introduction to space (in the office and online), your facilitators and one another. Here you are encouraged to claim your position within the disability arts sector.

10 August – Session 2: Turning a New Leaf

Considering those who have acquired their disability, this session looks at commonly felt Grief and the Loss of former selves. Moving forward, we Transform the experience before finally looking at how to Translate it in order to improve our art.

17 August – Session 3: Inside Looking Out

Looks at our Capability as Deaf and Disabled artists together with how to create Boundaries that nurture our well-being. In identifying our individual Drivers, we look at taking on Opportunities together with the benefits of Networking.

24 August – Session 4: Painting Pennies

Here we start learning financial information vital for any performer wishing to make their practice a professional one. Banking leads to the preparation of Budgets. We also look at developing Proposals to initiate your future work.

31 August – Session 5: Show Me The Money

Dipping into finances continues as we wade through more vital talk of Budgets. Once money has been made from your art, you will need to issue an Invoice. To achieve all of this you will need an ABN so we look at steps to gain your very own.

7 September – Session 6: Cutting Shapes

In deciding to be a professional artist it is important to be able to promote yourself. After a quick look at your Resume, the opportunity to improve your Introduction to others is next. We then look at your online presence and see if and how it can be improved.

14 September – Session 7: Professionally Speaking

We share our Biographies here before investigating what it means to be a disabled artist. This leads naturally to speaking about Access needs and how we can be confident in stating our conditions of work.

21 September – Session 8: Pitch to Advocate For

Our journey to taking on the sector as professionals well underway, Public Speaking is explored in addition to preparing our ‘Elevator Pitches’. Finally, Art’s place in Advocating for ourselves is examined

What will I take away from this program?

This is a golden opportunity for you to:

• Learn how to maintain a successful arts practice within the Disability Arts sector
• Hear from artists and professionals in the field
• Build a network that can support you in your future career

When and where will the program start?

Sessions will run on Tuesdays from 3 August – 21 September 2021, 10 am – 1 pm.

Sessions will be held at our office in South Melbourne and online via zoom.

There will be a Covid Safe Plan in place, regular breaks, and a support worker provided throughout the program.

How can I participate?

Please complete the online booking at trybooking. Please note that sessions are free but bookings are essential.

If you require or would like any support with your booking, we encourage you to contact us on (03) 96998299 or email info@artsaccess.com.au

Bookings for Session 1 (on 3 August) close Tuesday 20 July.

What do I do if I have more questions?

For more information, please contact Eva Sifis via email or via phone (03) 96998299.

Eva has been a performing artist before and after acquiring a brain injury 22 years ago. She is the perfect person to take you through Nexus 2021!

This program is supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.