Farewell Nikki Zerella

Outgoing AAV Deputy CEO/General Manager says goodbye!

We are sad to share that Nikki Zerella (Deputy CEO/General Manager) is moving on from Arts Access Victoria. Nikki served at AAV for over 10 years. She has committed her career to supporting Deaf and Disabled people in the arts.

Nikki developed and implemented the framework for NDIS supports at AAV. This structure has been replicated across the arts sector in Australia. NDIS participants can now access art as part of their plans, when art programs can otherwise be inaccessible.

She launched new AAV arts studios for young people (Capturing the City) and artists with mental health issues. Most recently, she supported the creation of our new Footscray studios with Footscray Community Arts.

Nikki facilitated the creation of AAV’s websites, making our presence known. She supported the making of Artfinder, which became Choose Art. Connecting Deaf and Disabled people with accessible events and resources. And encouraging industry leaders and event producers to put access at the forefront.

Nikki’s passion for music led to the creation of AAV’s Bandmates Victoria Program and Snug Rock Accessible Music Festival. Removing barriers to enjoying live music for Deaf and Disabled people. Music Makers and Songlines programs made way for artists to access their potential in music careers.

Accelerate was our specialised devolved funding for Deaf and Disabled artists and arts workers. It ensured accessibility was at the centre of the funding. Nikki played a key role in Accelerate and later Making Space: infrastructure funding for Deaf and Disability-led organisations.

She developed countless resources and research for artists and arts workers, including Raw Law, ADAPT and Art for Everyone: an inclusive practice guide. The legacy of which will continue to bolster the Arts and Disability sector for years to come.

Nikki has been a fierce ally to the Deaf and Disabled community. She has led with tenacity, humour and compassion. Being a rock for so many of us. She has given everything to uplifting and platforming Deaf and Disabled artists, changing the sector for the better.

Her impact is hard to summarise and she will be sorely missed at AAV. We know she will continue to make waves in her future endeavours.