Alter State returns with a futuristic program for deaf and disabled artists

Arts Centre Melbourne announces the return of Alter State, a program dedicated to supporting disabled artists.

The program, featuring 100 Australian and New Zealand deaf and disabled artists, will take place from October 2 and 13 in more than 10 venues across 12 days of high entertainment.

The event includes exclusive performances, contemporary art, a film workshop, a two-day symposium, and two parties, starting with the First Nations Deaf and Disabled Yarning Circle under the guidance of Aunty Di Kerr, Wurundjeri Traditional Owner and Alter State’s inaugural Elder in Residence.

Alter State 2024 creative lead Jodee Mundy, OAM, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and disabled artist, told Southbank News that this year’s theme, “Disabled Futures: a Sight of What’s to Come,” offered new opportunities to question what it meant to be a disabled or deaf artist in Australia and what changes needed to happen in the future.

“Alter State’s ambition is to alter the current state of the arts and culture we are producing and consuming,” Ms Mundy said.

For too long, we have seen on our stages, books, and screens, stories created and facilitated by people who have no direct lived experience or connection with deaf and disabled people.

Arts Access Victoria CEO Joshua Pether said that Access Victoria was proud to co-present Alter State in 2024.

“We are signing a manifesto to the future,” Pether said. “As Arts Access Victoria celebrates 50 years in 2024, we turn to the future and imagine the next 50 years in this program at Alter State.”

“We can’t wait to spend a vital two weeks with deaf and disabled artists and audiences.” 

The event will conclude with the Alter State Closing Party: Disabled and Sexy at North Melbourne’s Arts House co-hosted by Jodee Mundy and Australia’s Deaf Drag queen darling Mademoiselle Coco. •