The A List, part of MyCareSpace, a national platform connecting NDIS participants with providers, has received a significant ILC grant from the Australian Government Department of Social Services to foster the participation of Autistic individuals in arts and cultural events. The grant will support the first of its kind Create Space Arts Initiative, which aims to assist major arts and cultural venues in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane become more accessible and inclusive.
Over the next twelve months, The A List will collaborate with its partners, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), Australian Catholic University (ACU) and LEGO Australia, to create and deliver neuro-inclusive cultural events designed to engage all neurotypes in a safe, respectful and fun environment.
Nicole Gamerov and Bianca Shapiro, Co-founders of The A List, emphasised the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
"We are delighted to work alongside such respected organisations to create events that not only appeal to the Autistic community but also play to their strengths and interests,” said Ms Gamerov.
“Although research indicates that the arts significantly enhances quality of life for people with disabilities, they face higher barriers to attendance and participation. Our goal with Create Space is to build environments where all neurotypes can come together, learn from each other, and participate in arts and culture in a supportive, accessible and inclusive space.”
The initiative also focuses on sustainability and capacity building, including comprehensive training for venue staff on autism inclusion and developing a volunteer training program in collaboration with ACU.
Ms Shapiro said these efforts aim not only to improve access and safety for Autistic youth and the general public but also to embed inclusive practices in mainstream venue programming and create employment opportunities for newly trained Autistic volunteers.
“We are not simply making it possible for Autistic individuals to fully share in the arts community today, we are creating a legacy,” said Ms Shapiro. “With specialised training, these chosen venues can continue to offer support and accessibility to the neurodivergent community moving forward.”
Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, Project Director of Create Space said the initiative is integral to breaking down common stereotypes about Autistic people and their interests.
“There is a misconception that Autistic people are purely logical thinkers and mathematically minded as opposed to creative,” said Ms Lobsey. “Create Space is special because it will help remove these stereotypes by immersing all neurotypes, under one inclusive roof, in arts and cultural activities.
“As an Autistic person myself and lover of arts and culture, I have experienced first-hand the challenges of accessing events and fully participating in them. I am excited to create new opportunities for Autistic artists and volunteers to enter a world they have previously found difficult to navigate.
“It will also enable neuro-divergent individuals and their families - many for the first time - to attend events and access spaces that are usually unavailable or limited for them, and enable neuro-typical people an opportunity to connect with the Autistic community and garner more understanding and acceptance. At the same time, venue staff will be trained on inclusivity and how to transform their venues and practices forever.”
Aspect's Autism Friendly team will assist participating venues to create inclusive environments that cater to the needs of Autistic individuals and their families, while Australian Catholic University (ACU) will provide opportunities for Autistic students who are eager to be trained as volunteers. LEGO Australia will contribute staff and materials to enhance art exhibitions, play events, and community builds.
The project will also feature an Advisory Board made up of Autistic adults with extensive experience in the arts sector, who will oversee the initiative’s design and implementation alongside The A List team.
To express interest in participating in Create Space – as an arts and cultural venue, Autistic artist or volunteer – click here.