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Lesley Hall Scholarship 2024 (FAQs)

The Lesley Hall Scholarship supports Deaf and Disabled artists, arts workers and creatives who use art to hallenging assumptions about disability. This can be by:

  • Challenging preconceptions about disability
  • Advocating for the rights of Deaf and Disabled people
  • and Deaf or Disability advocacy

You can apply if you:

  • identify as Deaf and/or Disabled
  • live in Victoria
  • have an active arts practice
  • Be able to show past works that use art as a tool for change.

Before applying ask yourself:

  • Do I have a project I want to work on?
  • What do I need to complete my project?
  • What would help/ support my practice?
  • How am I going to express these ideas?

Applications Open: Monday 16  September 2024

Applications closes: Monday 28 October 2024 at 5 pm.

 

You can apply by:

  • Filling in the application form online
  • Downloading a word version and emailing it to us.

All applications documents and forms can be found above on this web page

Absolutely! Talk to us if you would prefer to submit a video or audio application.

Applications in Auslan are also invited.

If you are the successful, you will receive:

  1. A $5000 scholarship; and
  2. Ongoing support through conversations with AAV and its staff members

You can use the scholarship money for:

  • creative development
  • presenting a new artwork project
  • sustaining yourself and your practice

What does sustaining yourself and your practice mean?

The Lesley Hall scholarship aims to support as an artist. This means you can use the funds to in any way that can help you continue working as a professional artist. Examples include:

  • Professional development
  • Equipment and Software
  • Paying yourself
  • And much more
  • Presentation of a work
  • Professional Development
  • Equipment
  • Paying yourself
  • A mix of all of the above

The Scholarship is to support you to undertake whatever you need to continue working as a professional artist.

The development of a art or creative work that challenge assumptions about disability.

Please note: This definition of project is for the Lesley Hall Scholarship. A project may mean something else in other contexts.

We understand the challenges of having an arts or creative practice. We know Deaf and Disabled people can experience more challenges than non-disabled people.

The Lesley Hall Scholarship supports Deaf and Disabled artists, arts workers and creatives. To support their practice and development. We understand support looks different for everyone. And have ensured that you can use this scholarship in lots of ways to support your needs. There are examples above in “What can I do with the Scholarship?” If you would like to know more, please contacts us.

The funding is for 2025. You can negotiate a project extension of up to one year.

You can do your project on your own or you may choose to work with others to produce the artwork.

No, this is to make sure the process is fair for everyone who applies.

Yes, we aim to give all applicates feedback. If you would like feedback, please let us know.

The Selection panel has four community representatives connected to:

  • Lesley Hall
  • Arts and Disability

Deaf and Disabled people are on the panel.

We will let you know the outcome by the last week of November 2024.

We will announce the winner on our website, social media and at The Gathering.

Lesley Hall was a proud Disabled woman, disability advocate, arts administrator, writer and activist. She was a founder of the Women with Disabilities Australia (Formally Women with Disabilities Feminist Collective). The CEO of Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO). She was a co-founder of the Disability Resource Centre.

Lesley Hall left her mark. Always fighting for the rights of Deaf and Disabled people, particularly Disabled women. In 1981 Hall made headline news across Australia for her now famous protest at the Miss Australia Quest. She took the stage to protest the objectification of women and idealisation of physical beauty. She became instrumental in shaping public policy on disability through her tireless advocacy.

As the CEO of the AFDO, Lesley was instrumental in influencing the formation of the NDIS, and much more. Lesley’s love of the arts came to the forefront in her work as director of the Melbourne Worker’s Theatre and work at Darebin Council. This helped shape Lesley’s passion for increasing Deaf and Disabled people participation ay all levels. Lesley used her experiences as a Board member and Chair of Arts Access Australia and Arts Access Victoria.

Lesley Hall was a quiet character who rarely wanted the spotlight. Lesley’s motivation came from her desire to instigate social change. To help people in society overlooked by the public. Time is finally catching up with what Lesley always knew to be true. Deaf and Disabled people vital members of society and their contributions are important. Exciting times are ahead, and Lesley legacy is finally being realised. Onward to the fray!

You can contact us though reception:

Phone: 03 9699 8299 (voice only)/ 0401 224 864 (text or voice)

You can Contact Alanah Guiry.

 by phone 03 8640 6017 (voice only) or email 

Alanah is managing the Lesley Hall Scholarship applications and works Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Application form

You can fill out the application form online via our website.

You can download the application form and email it back to us

We can email or post an application to you if you would prefer. Email info@artsaccess.com.au or call us on 9699 8299.

Frequently Asked Questons

The award is intended to recognise the work of young artists and activists with disability who are using their artistic practice as a tool for challenging preconceptions about disability.
You must:

  • identify as a Deaf and/or Disabled person;
  • have created work (paid or voluntary) in either comedy, performing arts or screen culture;
  • be between the ages of 16 and 30; and
  • be a permanent resident of Australia
  • have made a powerful impact in their practice

The applications are now open and will close 5.00 pm on Monday 17 June.

You can apply by filling out the form on our website or by downloading the application form as a word document on our website.

We can email or post an application to you.

Email: info@artsaccess.com.au
Phone: 03 9699 8299 (voice only)/ 0401 224 864(text or voice)

Absolutely! Talk to us if you would prefer to submit a video or audio application. Applications in Auslan are also invited.

If you are the successful recipient of the Stella Young Award you will get a one-off payment of $3,000.

We are looking for young people who have used their art (comedy, performing arts or screen culture) to have an impact on how the community thinks about disability. It could be an artistic outcome that you have presented in the community or online, such as a short film, or a performance. You could have been behind the scenes getting a project up and running, or it could have been your own work of art. But you will be a proud artist, activist who is determined to create opportunities for greater inclusion and equality.

Tell us about your achievements, art and activism but keep in mind the word limits. Include links to images, short films or publications that will help us to assess your achievements.

That’s entirely up to you! This is an award for your achievements, not a scholarship towards future projects.

Unfortunately, in the interests of fairness to all applicants, the selection panel cannot give feedback on your application.

Yes, we will endeavour to give you feedback in writing about your application.

The selection panel consists of four community representatives with ties to Stella Young, the arts and disability sector, Deaf and Disabled people and Disability Media Australia.

We will notify you of the outcome of your application by the end of June.

Established in 1974, AAV has since become the state’s peak body for arts and disability.

AAV’s agenda is the social and artistic transformation for Deaf and Disabled people, the community and access to the arts sector. It achieves this through Disability-led advocacy:

  • Community arts and cultural development programs for more than 1300 Deaf and Disabled people.
  • Professional development programs for Deaf and Disabled artists with creative and employment outcomes.
  • Working with industry to increase Deaf and Disabled participation and access.

AAV has established itself as the driving force for an inclusive, accessible art and cultural sector in Victoria.

AAV shares unique and untold stories that challenge the issues that frame the lives of Deaf and Disabled people. It places Deaf and Disabled artists, not at the margins, but centre stage. Recognising them instead as significant and invaluable contributors to the Australian cultural landscape.

You can contact Alanah Guiry: aguiry@artsaccess.com.au

You can phone us: 03 9699 8299 (voice only)/ 0401 224 864 (text or voice) Please note these numbers are for reception, we will forward you to Alanah when you contact us.

Making Space Guidelines and FAQ

To apply you must:

  • Be a creative organisation or collective that is legally constituted or auspiced
  • Be based in Victoria
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be auspiced
  • Be Deaf and /or Disability-led or show strong and ongoing commitment to disability leadership *

* This could include significant representation on your staff, board, subcommittees or advisory groups.

We will only accept one application per applicant (including as part of a collective).

Definitions

Collective: Groups of individuals who join together.

Deaf and/or Disability-led: In an organisational context, this means the organisation is run by a majority of Deaf and Disabled people.

Disability: includes, but is not limited to; visible, invisible, sensory, physical, neurodiverse, cognitive, intellectual, developmental or mental health illness/ injury.

Priority Applications

We will prioritise applications that:

  • Are Deaf and Disabled led
  • Are scoped and costed
  • Increase benefits and engagement for Deaf and Disabled creatives and audiences
  • Are delivered by small to medium organisations or collectives

Auspicing

Making Space accepts auspiced applications. Any legally constituted body may act as an auspice. If successful, the auspice organisation will receive funds. The auspice organisation takes legal and financial responsibility for the grant. Projects can be auspiced by Arts Access Victoria (at no cost) or another suitable organisation. Grant assessors (apart from financial assessors) will not be aware of which organisation is auspicing your application. This is to avoid any perceived bias.

We will not accept applications from:

  • State-owned cultural agencies and organisations (except if acting as an auspice body).
  • State government departments and agencies.
  • Applicants that have an overdue Creative Victoria (or former Arts Victoria) acquittal.
  • Applicants who do not have a commitment to Deaf and/or Disabled leadership.

Applications open:  25 August 2023.

Applications close: 17 October 2023.

Notification: Approximately 6 weeks after the closing date.

Project can start after notification.

Project must end by 31 December 2024.

All projects must create or improve access.

We will fund projects that:

  • Create new accessible creative spaces
  • Refurbish or improve access to/in existing spaces
  • Improve or create digital access

Costs can include but are not limited to:

  • Fees for personnel (project manager, builders, architect, consultant, developers, designers, user testers)
  • Building materials
  • Fit-out costs such as equipment, fittings, furniture
  • Access refurbishment costs
  • Digital equipment, software and hardware
  • Project administration costs
  • Permits
  • Access costs for personnel can be applied for separately

Access Costs

There is additional Access funding available to support the delivery of your project.

Access costs can include but are not limited to:

  • communication access (e.g. Auslan interpretation, captioning)
  • transport
  • support worker (e.g. orientation support, note-taking)
  • other access costs not covered by your organisation or collective

Below are some examples of projects we can fund. If you have a project that is not listed below it doesn’t mean it isn’t eligible. If you are unsure if your project is eligible, please contact us.

Physical access:

  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible pathway to venue
  • Door access – step free, door width, automatic doors or doors that are easy to open
  • Height of counters or display cases at reception/ box office
  • Accessible toilet
  • Height of bathroom fixtures and fittings e.g., taps, basins, hand dryers, mirror
  • Wheelchair spaces in theatre/auditorium
  • Power, heating and light switch heights
  • Lift access

Sensory access:

  • Provision of Quiet Spaces
  • Signage – e.g., tactile signs, easy to read
  • Lighting – e.g., low vision accessible, dimmable
  • Hearing augmentation systems

Digital access:

  • Accessible website
  • Equipment for livestreaming
  • Internet infrastructure or portable internet
  • Software (e.g., automated captioning software)
  • Hardware
  • Chat systems

Physical Infrastructure

All projects must follow relevant building guidelines and regulations.

Click here for Australian Government planning information

Click here for Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010

Click here for Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The current Australian Standards for access are:

  • Design for access and mobility General requirements for access – New building work (AS 1428.1:2021)
  • Design for access and mobility Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired (AS 1428.5:2021)

Your building project manager should have access to these standards.

Digital Infrastructure

The WC3 sets global standards for all websites including access guidelines. These are called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2 (WCAG) and are updated every 4 years.They have 3 levels of access Level A, Level AA and Level AAA. The Federal Government has The Digital Services Standards (DSS). These are the Australian guidelines for digital access which include the WCAG.

Click here for the WCAG 2

Click here for the DSS

We will not fund the following projects and expenses:

  • Retrospective expenses (costs already incurred by a project)
  • Spaces or projects primarily for non-creative uses
  • Business as usual services, activities and operations (e.g., rent, utilities)
  • Routine repairs and maintenance

Please note:

  • You must not enter a contract or begin any proposed works before being notified of the outcome your application.
  • Make sure to create a plan for funding your project if unsuccessful.

You can apply via our website or email.

The Application forms and support documents are above

We accept applications in a range of formats. You can submit a written, video, audio or Auslan application. You can also schedule a phone or video chat with AAV.

You can organise a phone or video chat with AAV to apply.

You must submit your completed application by 5pm, 17 October 2023 to grants@artsaccess.com.au.

You will receive an email receipt of the application. If you do not receive a receipt of your application 48 hours after applying, please contact us.

We encourage you to get in touch with us about your application before submitting it.

If you are unsuccessful, we can give you feedback.

To record your application via a Phone or Video Chat with AAV

In this chat, we will ask you the application questions, which we will record and give to the assessment panel. Access support workers to assist you are welcome. AAV can provide Auslan or other services for the application process too.

To book or request an application chat you can contact AAV Reception via email Or phone 03 9699 8299 (voice only), 0401 224 864 (text or voice).

Compulsory Support Material

  • Budget (use our template or provide your own)
  • Quotes for budget items over $10,000
  • Deliverables and Milestones timeline (use our template or provide your own)
  • Evidence of support or approval from Council, building owner, landowner if required
  • Organisational or Collective biography/CV
  • Biographies/CVs of key personnel or partners

Compulsory Financial Support Material

Incorporated organisations must also provide:

  • A Profit and Loss statement for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
  • A balance sheet as of 30 June 2023

These can be management accounts (i.e., generated from your accounting software), and should be signed as correct by your treasurer or accountant.

Unincorporated groups should provide the financial reports listed above if possible. If not, please provide a statement detailing your group’s total revenue for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, and its net financial assets as of 30 June 2023. This statement must be signed as correct by your treasurer or accountant.

Optional Support Material

  • Confirmation from project manager or partners
  • Plans or Architect Drawings for physical infrastructure projects
  • Risk register or risk management plan (a risk register template is inside support materials excel or supply your own). Please note you will have to provide one if your application is successful.
  • Access Audit report
  • Building Reports, Soil Hygiene assessment report or Asbestos assessment report if applicable
  • Images – up to 10 images (jpg, tiff, png and pdf accepted). Size limit 10 mb per file.
  • Evidence of consultation with community

Support material can be uploaded to our website or attached in an email.

If you are supplying your support material as URLS remember we can only accept URLs that are: From public websites or non-editable cloud storage (this means that they are unique links to the exact file). Please make sure you won’t need to enter personal identification or a password to gain access to support materials.

Please contact us if you need assistance to provide support material.

Once applications close, Arts Access Victoria will:

  • check to confirm that applications meet the eligibility requirements (Who Can Apply?)
  • ensure that all required documentation has been provided (application, budget, required support material)
  • assess all eligible applications against the assessment criteria

Applications will be panel assessed. Panel members will represent a range of artform and infrastructure knowledge and include Deaf and/or Disabled people. The panel will include external Peer Assessors, Creative Victoria personnel and Arts Access Victoria staff.  Applications will also be assessed by an independent financial assessor.

Assessment Criteria

Impact and Benefit

Show how the proposed works increase access to and participation in creative spaces/ activity for Deaf and Disabled creatives and audiences.

Quality
  • Projects show accessible design. They may be designed in consultation with the Deaf and Disabled community.
  • The organisation or collective delivering the project demonstrates strong Deaf or Disabled leadership
  • Projects meet the current Australian standards for access, or the Digital Services Standards.
Viability and Sustainability
  • Project readiness and planning. This includes a realistic timeline that accounts for potential delays or contingency.
  • The capacity and experience of the organisation/collective and partners to deliver the project
  • Budget is viable and realistic. This includes contingency and appropriate costings (i.e., quotes for infrastructure components).
  • Project and environmental sustainability are considered

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application approximately 6 weeks after the deadline. We can provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

If you are successful, you will need to:

  • Enter into a grant agreement with Arts Access Victoria
  • Notify Arts Access Victoria of any proposed changes to your project
  • Publicly acknowledge the support of Arts Access Victoria and the Victorian Government. We will supply specific logos and text.
  • Report progress at negotiated intervals
  • Acquit your grant by sending a written report on the outcomes of your project. This occurs within 30 days of project completion.

Funding

We will organise a payment schedule with you or your auspice body to release funding in line with your project’s milestones.

Please note: The grant agreement will detail the conditions of funding.

Our privacy policy is available on the AAV website.

This document is available in html (AAV Website) and word document format. Contact us for alternative formats.

Can I submit my application in other forms?

Yes. We accept applications in a range of formats. You can submit a written, video, audio or Auslan application. You can also schedule a phone or video chat with AAV.
How many applications can I submit?

We will only accept one application per applicant (including as part of a collective).

Can I get feedback on my application before I submit?

We can provide you with general advice on your project and assist you with access support. We cannot review your application and provide feedback.

What is the definition of small/medium organisation?

Organisations with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and annual revenue under $3 million.

How do I find an accredited Access Consultant?

Check out Access ASN for a directory

How do I find approved builders for accessible infrastructure?

Master Builders Victoria may be a useful resource for finding expertise.

Click for Master Builders Victoria Website

Can I apply for funding for capital works that are partially completed to bring them up to code?

Yes.

How do I find someone who can deliver accessible digital infrastructure?

Website developers should be able to develop accessible websites, but there are many people out there who can help you, but if you don’t know where to start .

Check out the South Australia Online Accessibility Toolkit

They have a Build, Buy and Supply resource that can help you with the questions you can asked your website  developer

Contact Vision Australia for support There are any other organisations you can contact as well for accessible website support.

Check out the Federal Government Digital Transformation Agency

Make sure to check the guidelines for more information.

What should I consider when making an application for an accessible website?

  • Ensure that your website/ your developer is addressing the accessible design criterion.
  • Include enough time and budget for testing in your application
  • Consider the scope of what a website is useful for (information, organisational visibility)
  • Include information about how you will sustain the website. E.g. how will you manage and continue to pay for ongoing costs?

Can I use in-house expertise to deliver the project?

Yes, if you have the expertise and can meet the current Australian Standards for access, or the Digital Services Standards. Make sure you submit evidence you can meet the standards.