Participating in arts- and cultural-sector governance in Australia: Experiences and views of people with disability

Abstract

Background: This study sought the perceptions and experiences of people with disability relating to their potential or current involvement in the governance of arts and cultural organisations in Australia. Methods: A total of 32 people participated in an online survey, and results were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: The findings revealed that those participants who had been involved in governance benefited from it in terms of self-esteem, participation in society and well-being. The results also indicated possible ways to encourage and enable more people with disability to become involved in governance roles, for example through the development of training and resources. Conclusions: This research represents a basis for future larger-scale studies relating to governance development for people with disability. Recommendations are made for future directions in both practice and research.

Keywords::

• disability
• governance
• well-being
• arts and cultural organisations

Acknowledgements

My thanks to the anonymous reviewers who provided helpful critical feedback on an earlier version of this article.