The Unlikely Standard-Bearer for Inclusivity in the Art World

Hannah Fox, artistic director of Rising, has been at the forefront of redefining what it means to create inclusive experiences in the art world. Her success in programming Austrian performance artist Florentina Holzinger’s work at this year’s festival is a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of art.

Fox’s background as a programmer for Melbourne Festival from 2008 to 2013, and then associate creative director of Dark Mofo from 2013 to 2019, has given her a unique perspective on the evolution of arts programming. Her early exposure to innovative works like Annie Sprinkle’s and DV8 Physical Theatre’s Enter Achilles helped shape her approach to creating inclusive experiences.

Fox is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo by inviting artists who create unconventional work, such as Holzinger, whose performances are “huge, feminist, body horror, spectacle works.” This approach not only presents alternative perspectives but also creates a welcoming environment that invites diverse audiences to engage with art.

Fox’s personal experiences have influenced her approach to programming. Growing up in a family of passionate divers, she developed an appreciation for the unknown and the willingness to take risks. This fearlessness has served her well in navigating the complex world of arts programming, where “every single time, the thing that I thought was going to be a no-brainer is really difficult.”

The success of Fox’s programming can be seen in its appeal to a new generation of fans who are discovering artists like Sade through algorithm-driven playlists. This phenomenon speaks to a larger shift in how people engage with art and culture – one that emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility.

Fox’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond programming; she also creates opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and seen. As she explained, “I always think, what’s the widest possible doorway we can make, and then, where are we guiding people to? Where’s that secondary offer and third offer?”

In an era where arts institutions struggle to adapt to changing audience demographics and preferences, Fox’s model offers a refreshing alternative. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, she is creating a new standard for what it means to engage with art – one that values diversity, risk-taking, and innovation.

Fox’s work serves as a reminder that true progress requires bold action and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Her success in programming Holzinger’s work at this year’s festival demonstrates how her approach can have a lasting impact on the industry. As she continues to pioneer new approaches to creating inclusive experiences, it remains to be seen whether others will follow suit.

Fox has set a high standard for what it means to engage with art in the 21st century, and her influence will be felt for years to come. The question is whether others will prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their programming or if Fox will remain an outlier, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse arts scene.