Inclusive arts practices have the power to shift attitudes, deepen understanding, and create lasting change, not only within the arts sector but across the broader community. That’s the clear message emerging from Shifting Perspective, a research project that examined how inclusive, co-created performance works can influence public perceptions of disability.
At the centre of UniSA’s Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE) research are two major creative works; Counterpoise, an award-winning dance film, and its companion documentary Dancing Against the Odds. Both were developed through the Connect2Abilities initiative led by C-EDGE, in collaboration with Restless Dance Theatre (Australia), 29Dong Dance Theatre (Korea), Korea Music Project, and Seoul National University College of Music.
These works were created at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, through a mix of online and in-person collaboration between disabled and non-disabled artists. Despite the global challenges, the resulting films are emotionally powerful and technically accomplished, with Counterpoise asking urgent questions about human connection, culture, and the forces that shape our lives.
Dancing Against the Odds, directed by Matt Byrne and produced by Dr Boram Lee and Professor Ruth Rentschler, captures the process behind the making of Counterpoise, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and commitment of all involved.
What makes this project particularly significant is not only the quality of the creative works but also the audience engagement surrounding them. The research included post-screening surveys, interviews, and facilitated conversations that gathered audience reflections across multiple international contexts.
The findings were clear: audiences responded strongly and positively to the inclusive nature of the work. Many reported that the films challenged their assumptions, made them reflect more deeply on disability, and helped them see inclusion not as an add-on, but as essential to the arts. The emotional strength of the performances, combined with the authenticity of the collaboration, was a key factor in this response.
The success of the project, demonstrated by the films’ selection in major festivals including the Adelaide Film Festival, Seoul Dance Film Festival, OzAsia, and the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, shows that inclusive work is not only valuable, but also internationally competitive. The films have received multiple awards and commendations, affirming their artistic and cultural impact.
For arts organisations, the message is simple: inclusive arts are not a niche. They are central to meaningful, globally relevant cultural practice. For the wider community, this research offers evidence of the powerful role the arts can play in building empathy, shifting mindsets, and fostering more inclusive societies.
COMING SOON – we will have some videos to share!
