Access Fringe Welcomes New Team of Leaders in Disability Arts Sector

Melbourne Fringe is proud to announce the appointment of two exceptional arts leaders, who will join Carly Findlay OAM in designing and delivering the Access Fringe program. These new team members bring unparalleled expertise, passion, and vision to embedding cultural equity and inclusive practices across our work.

Caroline Bowditch joins us in the newly created position of Cultural Equity Consultant, where she will lead the strategic program design and vision of Access Fringe. Renowned for her transformative work in disability arts, Caroline’s leadership will help shape a future where cultural equity is central to all creative processes and outcomes.

Milly Cooper steps into the newly created role of Access Fringe Program Manager, bringing a wealth of experience from their diverse creative practice and sharp producing skills. Milly will oversee the delivery of key Access Fringe activities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of inclusivity and innovation.

Carly Findlay OAM continues her essential role as Access Advisor, spearheading workplace and sector-shifting initiatives that weave access, inclusion, and cultural equity into the fabric of our operations. Carly will also provide invaluable support and guidance to d/Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent artists within our community, ensuring their voices are amplified and their needs prioritised.

Together, Caroline, Carly, and Milly form a powerhouse team that reflects Access Fringe’s commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive arts landscape. We are thrilled to welcome Caroline and Milly as they collaborate with artists, audiences, and fellow organisations to redefine what access means in the creative sector.

About Access Fringe 

Access Fringe is Melbourne Fringe’s sector-leading arts participation program dedicated to making the arts accessible for d/Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodiverse people. This Ddisability-led initiative works to break down barriers, creating a space where Disabled people can engage fully with the arts and the arts community. It’s a program designed to not only enhance the experience of participants, but also to help Melbourne Fringe become a more inclusive festival. The program includes a range of initiatives to support both artists and audiences.
Through Radical Access, new works are commissioned, and discussions are held to explore innovative ways of embedding accessibility in the DNA of new work.
For artists and venues, Access Fringe offers tailored support, providing personalised assistance, advice on access needs, and resources to maximise participation in the festival. Audience-focused efforts include targeted marketing and communications to reach Disabled communities, as well as an Access Fund for artists to make more works more accessible.
Access Fringe also creates opportunities for d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodiverse people within our organisation, including targeted employment positions across all departments as well as a more inclusive volunteering program.
We have also expanded our community engagement and leadership initiatives to include a program of industry events, sessions to help build our Disabled artist community, a Festivals Access Network, and a Disabled Advisory Panel to guide the program’s direction.