Sarah-Mace Dennis appointed as first Director of National Arts and Disability Network
Arts and Disability Network Australia (ADNA), a new national initiative bringing together peak arts and disability organisations from every state and territory, has appointed its first National Director — Sarah-Mace Dennis, a leading voice in the disability arts sector. Sarah-Mace is a respected interdisciplinary artist, educator, and leader with more than 20 years of experience across the arts, education, screen industries, and community engagement. She brings deep artistic insight, academic expertise, and lived experience of disability to the role.
“We are thrilled to be developing a strong pathway for Arts and Disability Network Australia and to welcome Sarah-Mace Dennis as its first National Director,” said Rebecca Young, Access2Arts Chief Executive. “This is a pivotal moment for Australia’s cultural landscape — to reimagine access, leadership and inclusion, and to ensure disabled artists are not just participants, but decision-makers, collaborators, and leaders. The Network has the potential to re-shape the way the arts sector includes, reflects and values disabled perspectives. Together, we will create space for new stories, new structures and new futures.”
Sarah’s leadership is shaped by her personal experience of acquiring a traumatic brain injury, after which she re-learned to walk — and eventually dance — by listening to the sound of her own footsteps. Her creative work is rooted in inclusive practices and community storytelling, always asking important questions about who gets to speak, and on whose behalf. From interactive digital works in public spaces to mentoring disabled creatives on global campaigns, Sarah continues to challenge assumptions and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the arts.
ADNA’s goal is to build a more inclusive and equitable arts sector by increasing the visibility, representation, and leadership of Deaf and disabled people in the arts. ADNA will support national collaboration, strengthen opportunities for disabled artists and arts workers, and work with partners across the country to ensure access and disability leadership are embedded in the cultural landscape. DADAA is proud to be one of ADNA’s founding members.
David Doyle, Executive Director of DADAA, said: “DADAA is excited to be working alongside our national peers to design and launch ADNA as the sector’s collective response to advancing arts and disability leadership in Australia. We warmly welcome Sarah-Mace Dennis as she brings vision, energy, and lived experience to this landmark initiative.”
About ADNA
ADNA is supported by Creative Australia as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the arts and disability sector nationally. The network will work to amplify the impact of disabled artists, advocate for systemic change, and embed accessibility and disability leadership at the heart of Australia’s creative future.
