Released 03/12/2016
This afternoon, I will attend IGNITE & FRIENDS at Belconnen Arts Centre and launch the Canberra Times International Day of People with Disability (I-Day) Supplement “Let’s Talk About Disability”.
Each year on 3 December we mark I-Day – which aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
The ACT Government is delighted to sponsor a number of events and activities that focus on inclusion around Canberra. More than $24,000 was allocated to I-Day activities in 2016.
I-Day is also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with a disability, and that is really what today’s event is about.
The multi-faceted IGNITE program provides diverse arts development, training and opportunities that enable participants with disabilities to create self-directed works of art in a diversity of mediums.
This afternoon is a time to shine for many of the participating artists, and a chance to share their pride and achievements with family, friends and members of the broader public.
Other organisations to receive I-Day grants include Holistic Health Group Canberra, Rebus Theatre, Squash ACT, Tuggeranong Community Arts Association, Women with Disabilities ACT, CREATE Foundation (ACT) and DUO Services.
The Government has also supported People with Disabilities ACT to develop, in partnership with Fairfax Media, the International Day of People with Disability Canberra Times Supplement 2016.
This year’s Supplement features the work of artists participating in the IGNITE program, enabling their inspiration and creativity to be shared with thousands of Canberrans.
I encourage all Canberrans to celebrate I-Day and to use this opportunity to reflect on the contribution people with disability make to our community, and on what each of us can do in our daily lives to help build a more inclusive Canberra.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases