As we dive into Aus Music Month this November which celebrates Australia’s rich musical landscape, there’s one prominent oversight: diversity in its fullest sense. Every year, we see lists of ‘best’ Aussie artists and gigs, yet they rarely reflect the full spectrum of talent, especially artists with disabilities.
This gap in representation isn’t just a blind spot; it’s a missed opportunity. People with disabilities make up the world’s largest minority group — 1 in 5 Australians. Financially and globally speaking, we’re looking at $13 trillion in global purchasing power.
Yet in 2024, we’re still not seeing artists with disabilities achieve the mainstream success or recognition they deserve. When people with disabilities don’t see themselves on stage or in lineups, they’re less likely to feel welcome as part of the audience. This lack of representation alongside an absence of accessibility measures, creates an attendance gap that could be bridged by putting diverse talent front and centre.
Dina, founder of Tibi Agency, a booking agency dedicated to artists with disabilities, knows firsthand the challenges these artists face. “I’ve spent my life navigating spaces that weren’t designed for people like me — people with lived experience of disability,” she says.
“Tibi Agency isn’t just about booking gigs; it’s about creating a platform for talent that have the drive to succeed but require additional access — someone to advocate for them in spaces that don’t inherently welcome them.”
To be clear, the barrier for artists with disability isn’t talent or drive; it’s access. Even when events appear highly accessible for audiences, backstage (or even on-stage) access is often overlooked. Many venues fail to provide the necessary accommodations—like ramps or quiet zones—that artists with disabilities need to perform safely. Without accessibility riders, artists may be invited but can’t realistically accept.
Tibi is working to change this. In its first year, Tibi secured opportunities for artists at major events like the Australian Open, St Kilda Fest, and Moomba. Just last month, one of Tibi’s artists, Saint Ergo, took home an award at Music Victoria, a much-needed recognition of the talent artists with disabilities bring to the stage. The demand is now undeniable: Tibi’s artists collectively attract over 98,000 monthly listeners, proving the Australian audience’s desire for diverse voices in music.
You can be a part of change this Aus Music Month. This November 23rd, Tibi Agency is celebrating its first anniversary at Perseverance Hotel in Fitzroy as part of ALWAYS LIVE, a statewide celebration of live music.
The lineup highlights the power of inclusion: R.em.edy, an R&B artist and disability rights advocate; Mathilde Anne, whose album Normal explores life on the autism spectrum; Saint Ergo, who breaks boundaries with songs on identity and spirituality; and SAMMM., whose raw lyrics on addiction and recovery resonate deeply. These artists show that talent doesn’t fit a mould; it’s expansive, multidimensional, and vibrant.
But Tibi’s vision extends beyond this event. Modelling what an inclusive music industry can be—a space where accessibility is foundational to every show, event, and venue. Building inclusive experiences doesn’t require complex changes. It starts with promoters, venues, and festivals embracing accessibility as part of their core planning. Simple steps, like adding access riders and actively engaging with the disability community, can transform venues into places where everyone feels welcome.
Let’s make Aus Music Month genuinely inclusive, join Tibi on November 23rd (ticket info here) and support artists reshaping the music landscape, and help create a space where diversity and talent coexist.
Want to celebrate more artists with disability to reach the mainstream? Check out this list of artists you can follow and support today.