About – ADNA

We are ADNA, short for Arts and Disability Network Australia.

ADNA improves access and inclusion across creative industries and workplaces.

We are a national, disability-led peak body that advocates for, champions and amplifies the work of d/Deaf and disabled artists, arts workers and screen practitioners across Australia.

Help ADNA shape the future of access, inclusion and advocacy for the country’s d/Deaf and disabled artists, arts workers, screen and cultural organisations.

What we do

ADNA works to build an inclusive future for Australia’s arts and disability sector. Grounded in d/Deaf and disabled knowledge and experience, we work across advocacy, policy, practice, creative research and community organising.

We want to:

Break down the barriers that prevent our creative communities from thriving
Ensure that arts and culture is fully accessible for as many people as possible

Who we are

ADNA brings together the knowledge of seven arts and disability organisations from across Australia: Access2Arts (SA), Accessible Arts (NSW), DADAA (WA), Incite Arts (NT), Arts Access Darwin (NT), Access Arts (Qld) and Arts Access Victoria (Vic)

Sarah-Mace Dennis

National Director

ADNA

'ADNA celebrates the knowledge of d/Deaf and disabled artists, arts workers, and screen practitioners from across Australia. Grounded in the principles of ‘being, belonging and becoming’ we will collaborate with our communities to build an exciting future for Australia’s arts and disability sector.'

Marcus McKenzie

Content and Communication Coordinator

ADNA

'ADNA creates an opportunity for d/Deaf and disabled artists, arts workers and screen practitioners to shape the national conversation in their own words. Strong communication, storytelling and visibility are essential to building a more connected, accessible and representative arts sector.'

Rebecca Young

Access2Arts

South Australia

'One of the key aims of ADNA is to decentralise the national disability arts conversation, ensuring it includes the views of more artists, arts workers and screen practitioners from across the breadth of the country, especially those in regional Australia.'

Liz Martin

Accessible Arts

New South Wales

‘This is a powerful moment – rich with opportunity and grounded in a shared commitment to connection, collaboration, and creating real change. There is strength in this solidarity, in working together, and in celebrating the depth of disability culture.’

David Doyle

DADAA

Western Australia

‘Whilst prior national Arts and Disability structures where focused on the collective voice of State Disability Peaks, ADNA has intentionally formed to champion and progress the needs and agendas of Australian d/Deaf and disabled artists, arts workers and screen practitioners. This shift in focus under ADNA is timely and urgent.’

Joshua Pether

Arts Access Victoria

‘As one of the states leading advocacy bodies for disability arts and as a First Nations CEO, I am excited for the journey ADNA will take the community on as we engage more with our d/Deaf and disabled First Nations peers and how their perspective can help shape our national voice.’

Carlo Ansaldo

Darwin Community Arts

Northern Territory

‘I’m excited to see the Northern Territory put on the map of disability arts practice through Darwin Community Arts’ participation in ADNA. ADNA brings together a wealth of experience from around the country to empower artists with disability to express, explore and thrive.’

Timothy Brown

Access Arts

Queensland

‘I’m excited about what ADNA will bring to the visibility and sustainability of disability arts in Australia. Together, we can represent diverse voices, experiences and creative leadership across the country.’

Jenine Mackay

Incite Arts

Alice Springs

‘ADNA has emerged from a long history and strong legacy of Australian arts and disability advocacy and disability leadership in the arts. It is a new beginning, a new way forward championing Australian d/Deaf and disabled artists and culture. Together we will flourish and build a new future.’