Author’s Note:
The following introduction draft has been created reflect the views and opinions of the members of the filmpro with ten programme 2024.
Manifesto Intro
As creatives, we recognise the transformative power of art and culture, which
transcends boundaries and unites diverse audiences. This manifesto is our clarion
call, advocating for a future where creativity knows no limits and inclusivity is woven
into all our endeavours. Designed with artists, people with disabilities, disabled
artists, educators, funders, and broader industry stakeholders in mind, it underscores
our commitment to a fairer and more accessible creative world.
This manifesto is a blueprint for creatives and is applicable across diverse working
practices, acknowledging that individuals with disabilities are still underserved in
numerous contexts. Our collective voice is powerful:
Our Vision for Change
We Demand the establishment of conditions that foster a supportive and inclusive
community. There is strength in numbers, and collaboration is our greatest ally. We
call for accessible physical spaces, resources, and opportunities for all artists to
thrive.
We Affirm that you have the right to create without barriers. During the creative
process, individuals with disabilities must be empowered and equipped with the
necessary tools and support to facilitate unrestricted artistic expression.
We Insist On post-creation considerations that ensure equal opportunity for sharing
and celebrating art. Whether through exhibitions, performances, or digital platforms,
disabled artists should have equal access to audiences and recognition.
In outlining these demands, affirmations, and insistences, filmpro with ten
champions a cultural shift towards inclusivity and accessibility, nurturing a vibrant
and diverse arts community. Together, we can break down barriers, amplify
marginalised voices, and build a fairer creative landscape for all.
Manifesto
- Shifting Attitudes
The minimum is not enough: think about creating an environment where people can thrive. Recognise that when access support falls short, there are consequences. We will step up and help each other when we can, but doing so risks causing additional difficulties that may require additional support. - Access & Inclusion
Carry out advance consultation of peoples’ access needs, and prepare for them in advance and actually enact them, rather than leaving it to the last minute. Acquire proper accessibility information from venues. Conduct accessibility audits on venues before planning any events at that location. With hybrid events, check if the conditions of the space are suitably set up to actually support hybrid working. Prioritise trying to meet differing communication needs as much as possible. Incorporate flexible working practices to allow for fluctuating needs and last minute changes. Identify support needs not only for individuals, but for the entire project or organisation. A dedicated administrative and technical person will support facilitators and artists to better focus on what they actually want to be working on. Ensure that exhibitions, performances and other displays of artwork are also accessible for audience members. - Power & Voice
Create opportunities for positive discrimination, to boost people from underserved
backgrounds or who experience multiple forms of marginalisation, from an
intersectional perspective. Work should be co-produced, placing disabled people in all roles including production, direction and funding, not just at the end point or final output. - Community
Create opportunities that are collective and collaborative. Recognise that the final output is only one small component of the project. Invest in opportunities for building community and solidarity within as many stages of the project as possible. Beyond any project, embed additional possibilities for ongoing relationships, collaborations, networks and community building. - Communication & Collaboration
When access needs cannot be accommodated, be open and honest about where the support falls short and attempt to find solutions or compromises together. Recognise that different peoples’ access needs can be conflicting. Facilitate discussions around any conflicts and how any compromises can be reached, and how these might impact others. Co-create a set of rules or guidelines for participation, as a shared process among participants. Discuss together and agree upon realistic timelines for projects. Coordinate and plan assigned roles at the start of the project, and remain aware of the workload and how it is shared. Check in with each other, recognising the risk of burn out during work-in-progress and once the deadlines have been met.
Conclusion
To bring about meaningful change, we must create an environment where discussing our needs and advocating for inclusive practices becomes the norm rather than the exception. This shift needs to happen urgently, and we must establish clear expectations for organisations and individuals to adopt these changes.
The impact of this transformation will extend beyond meeting individual needs. By building an industry that naturally prioritises fairness and actively empowers marginalised voices, we will see a ripple effect that elevates the quality of the work itself. The art we create will become richer and more diverse, reflecting a wider range of experiences and stories that resonate with broader audiences. This inclusivity will foster more authentic storytelling, innovative perspectives, and
creative breakthroughs, strengthening the wider creative industry and celebrating the
creative potential that inclusivity unlocks.
Our hope is that this manifesto will no longer be necessary one day. The ultimate goal is for the ‘right’ thing to be done automatically, with no need to provide reminders or incentives to support diversity and inclusion. When these principles become second nature, the conversation will shift from basic advocacy to continual growth and improvement. If these changes are fully embraced, we could see a more equitable industry that serves as a model for others. We can demonstrate how a commitment to inclusivity can improve workplace culture, and drive progress in society at large.
Introductions & Conclusions Authored and ©️Sacha D. 2024; based on notes taken on C. Traitor via Dropbox paper with contributions from members of filmpro with ten members 2024; see Original Source Material/session notes (last updated 09.10.2024) Manifesto 1. – 5. Authored by C Traitor based on the same notes and contributions.