Press Release

[Melbourne, Victoria] – Stage A Change, the leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Australian arts sector, announces Intermission - a strategic shift in its operations to dive deeply and purposefully into our mission and address ongoing financial challenges and long-term organisational viability. This adjustment allows us to reconnect with our community, better understand their needs, and recalibrate our efforts to support artists of colour more effectively, establishing an organisational future that is focused on sustainability and mission alignment.

“This work has been the focus of my efforts for the last seven years and I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished together. I started this company in 2017, and more than ever, now is the time to dive deeply into the systems and changes we’ve seen since 2020 and consider how to sustain them for the people, organisations, and art we need in Australia,” Cessalee Stovall, Founder and CEO.

Since its inception, Stage A Change has played a pivotal role in driving equitable change within the arts sector. From 2020, the organisation has employed 9 people, 8 of whom are people of colour, and supported, trained, and uplifted more than 2,500 people, including over 300 artists of colour, across 66 organisations and productions. It is a social enterprise and ACNC registered not-for-profit with DGR-1 status. Through workshops, consulting, casting support, policy reviews, and strategic advice, the organisation has significantly contributed to the development of inclusive policies and practices nationwide. Stage A Change has consistently removed barriers, fostered networks, and provided essential support to marginalised communities, amplifying calls for change in rehearsal rooms, meeting rooms, board rooms, and across the live performance landscape.

Despite these successes, the organisation has faced substantial challenges in scaling its impact due to a lack of critical funding. CEO and Founder, Cessalee Smith-Stovall, has supported the organisation with over 1,500 hours of unpaid work over the past 24 months. The company continues to seek funding from peak bodies and has been unsuccessful in securing the financial support necessary to train and employ additional staff members to meet increasing demand from clients.

“We know for a fact that women of colour in the nonprofit sector, despite being highly qualified, are often under valued overlooked for leadership roles, underpaid, and subjected to both racial and gender biases. These challenges directly impact their access to funding, with many reporting that foundations and other philanthropic funders fail to support their organisations with adequate and unrestricted resources.” Regina Roa, Board Director.

In light of these financial constraints, the Stage A Change board has made the decision to move to Intermission in order to reassess, recalibrate and return with a renewed strategic plan and more sustainable operational model. During Intermission, we are entering into and deepening strategic relationships with partners and projects that align with our mission, visions and values, creating opportunities to make changes that impact both individuals and the sector.

“The work of diversity, equity and inclusion is far from done–it’s just the beginning. This next phase is about allowing this critical work to take deep root in our sector, foster lasting change. To ensure Stage A Change remains a force for transformation, Intermission will be led by community and driven by intention and patience.” Annie Bourke, Board Director

To secure the future of Stage A Change, the organisation is launching an urgent appeal to its community and the wider sector for support. This includes:

• Research: The organisation invites all arts community members to participate in this 4-minute survey to share their experiences and feedback of both Stage A Change and the wider arts landscape. This input will be instrumental in roadmapping, securing funding and shaping the future of our work.
• Connections: Stage A Change seeks partnerships with organisations that provide mutual benefit from strategic collaborations. Know someone whose mission or projects align? Send them our way.
• Donate: We urgently need your help to reach our fundraising goal. Please donate if you’re able, and share the campaign with your networks to help keep Stage A Change thriving. Whether you give or share, you’re ensuring we can continue our critical work. Tax-deductible contributions can be made HERE
• Raise your voice: The more we continue to articulate and demand attention on accessible and inclusive practices, the greater benefit. Advocates for access, belonging, inclusion, diversity and equity can and do make change. Will you stand with us? Will you Stage A Change?

“Stage A Change has been a vital force for advocacy, training, and systemic transformation in the arts. Its survival is essential for a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable sector, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that this transformative work continues.” Amylia Harris, Board Director.

The organisation’s leadership remains committed to its mission of fostering equity and inclusion in the arts. This strategic shift is a necessary step to ensure Stage A Change can continue to support artists of color and advocate for systemic change in the years ahead.

In solidarity,

Cessalee Stovall, Regina Rao,
Annie Bourke, Amylia Harris

Board of Directors, Stage A Change