Access, Art, and Technology: Highlights from the Critical Conversations symposium

Critical Conversations: Art, Access & the Digital Now brought together artists, researchers, technologists and disability leaders from across Australia and around the world for two days of conversation and shared learning at the WA Maritime Museum. Presented by Fremantle Biennale and DADAA, the symposium explored how access and digital tools are shaping the future of arts and culture — and why they must be built into creative work from the very start.

Supported by Fremantle Port Authority, the symposium opened with a flash mob initiated by UK-based inclusive dance company Indepen-dance, setting the tone for a program led by lived experience. Across talks, panels and workshops, speakers shared practical examples showing that access is not an extra step or a checklist, but a way of working that can strengthen creativity, collaboration and connection.

Discussions about digital tools and AI highlighted the importance of relationship, care and leadership. Speakers emphasised that these tools should support expression, voice and participation – not replace human connection. A strong theme was the need for disabled people to be involved in designing, testing and governing new technologies, so they expand access rather than reinforce existing barriers.

The symposium also included a guided walk through Fremantle Port, offering another perspective on access, history, and place. Together, the program pointed to a future where community-led design, ethical thinking, and disability leadership are central to ensuring access and creativity grow alongside technological change.