From:	Tim Dakin [Tim.Dakin@frankston.vic.gov.au]
Sent:	Monday, 7 December 2009 4:46 PM
To:	disabdis
Subject:	EXHIBITORS SEEKING CINEMA ACCESS EXEMPTION

Frankston Arts Centre’s response, to the application, 
by cinema exhibitors, Village, Hoyts, Greater Union and Reading Cinemas to the Human Rights 
Commission to be exempt from the 
Disability Discrimination Act.

 
Frankston Arts Centre believes that all members of the community have the right to access the 
arts to enjoy, participate and experience, alongside their neighbours, friends, family and peers.

The recent application by multinational companies, show’s a complete disregard for the basic 
human right of access for all. 

As well as being a basic human right, access initiatives are a key part to Audience Development 
and help to gain increased and loyal patrons.

Frankston Arts Centre believes that accessibility begins with a culture and belief that all people 
have a right to participate in the events and activities within their locality. If someone is unable to 
get involved in an arts event for what ever reason we try to find a way of enabling them to 
experience the arts. It is not about legislation it is about a basic human right to be part of your 
community.

Theatre captioning and audio description enable a wide range of people to access the arts. 
People include those hard of hearing or Deaf, people that speak a language other than English, 
older adults  and those who just might have missed something on the screen.  

Frankston Arts Centre feels the well resourced and financially profitable cinema groups should 
through of a commitment to their community be offering services that enable participation and 
enjoyment and should not be applying for let alone receiving exemption from the Human Rights 
Commission.
 
Tim Dakin
Arts Access Officer
Frankston Arts Centre
 
 
							
Tim Dakin
Acting Arts Development Coordinator - Cube 37
 
Arts Access Officer 
Metro Access Project
Frankston Arts Centre 
Ph 03 9784 1890|Fax 03 9784 1766|Mobile 0419 749 846
Web www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
 

Metro Access is a Department of Human Services funded project aimed at encouraging 
participation in community life by people with disabilities and their families.
 
FAC - Arts Access - Increasing access opportunities and promoting Mental Health through 
the arts 
 
 
 
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