Access

Empowerment, collaboration, generosity and inclusion are part of RISING’s DNA. We invite all to participate, to be represented or at least be present. We believe to be excluded is to be invisible.

Access and Inclusion Feedback

We recognise that feeling truly welcomed by RISING extends far beyond what was possible in 2021. If you have a moment to share your experiences please reach out and let us know what we got right—or what needs our attention—so we can continue to build towards the most inclusive festival we can collectively conceive.

Please send us an email at feedback@rising.melbourne or via mail to PO Box 10, Flinders Lane, Victoria 8009. We’ll respond in writing within 48 business hours.

Companion Cards

Companion Card holders are entitled to free companion ticket to RISING events, experiences and performances. Let us know via email. You can present your card to our box office team on arrival. We welcome Companion Card tickets at all our events, however if Companions wish to partake in the meal aspect of our food events they will need to purchase a separate ticket. Head here for more information on Companion Cards.

ACCESSIBILITY

We will be offering several access and assistive services for different program items. More information and services will be added as we get closer to the festival. Check event pages for the below icons.

![Assistive Listening](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/assistive-listening.svg Assistive Listening

This symbol indicates an event venue has a hearing loops or assistive listening system available to assist you if you are hard of hearing. These systems transmit sound from the event directly through your hearing aid or through venue-provided headphones. We have added information on hearing loops and captioning on venue pages. We recommend you contact the venue directly for specific information on or assistance with listening services.

![Auslan Interpreting](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/auslan-translation.svg Auslan Interpreting

RISING is providing Auslan Interpreted tours and Interpreted sessions for specific events across the festival program. Look for the Auslan symbol displayed on the event page or check the Accessibility Services section using the blue dots links below.

A Miracle Constantly Repeated — Auslan supported days: Fri 3 June and Sat 11 June
Anything & Everything — Auslan interpreted shows: Sun 5 June, 3.30PM; and Sat 11 June, 5.30PM. BOOK NOW
Fart Fabulous — Auslan interpreted show: Fri 3 June, 6PM. BOOK NOW
Golden Square — Auslan interpreter on site as guide: Sat 4 June, 6—10PM and Fri 10 June, 6—10PM.
Heavy Congress — Auslan interpreter on site: Sat 4 June, 4.20—8.30PM. BOOK NOW
HOW TO LIVE (after you die) — Auslan interpreted show: Sat 4 June, 7.30PM. BOOK NOW
The Invisible Opera — Auslan interpreted show: Sat 11 June, 1PM. BOOK NOW
Maureen: Harbinger of Death — Auslan interpreted show: Sat 4 June, 8.30—9.45PM. BOOK NOW
The Return — Auslan interpreted show: Wed 25 May, 6.30PM. BOOK NOW
Rewards for the Tribe — Auslan interpreted show: Fri 3 June, 7—8PM.
Set Piece — Auslan interpreted show: Sun 12 June, 2PM. BOOK NOW
Single Channel Video — Auslan interpreter: Fri 10 June, 10.30AM—1.30PM. Bookings not required
The Wilds — Auslan interpreters on site: Fri 3 June, 5—10PM and Sat 11 June, 5—10PM.

![Audio Described Tours](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/audio-described-tours.svg Audio Described Tours

RISING is providing Audio Described sessions and walking tours for a number of events. An audio describer might describe what is happening on stage or on a screen in real time, or how an exhibition looks, which may be useful if you are blind or have low vision. This service will usually mean a personal listening device is provided.

Maureen: Harbinger of Death — Audio described show: Wed 8 June, 7PM. BOOK NOW
The Return — Audio described show: Thu 2 June, 1PM. BOOK NOW

![Relaxed Performances](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/relaxed-performance.svg Relaxed Performances

Open to everyone, these RISING sessions have been specifically designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for people who feel they might benefit from a more relaxed environment. These can be ideal for Autistic folks, and neurodivergent folks in general. But also those living with anxiety and depression, who have highly emotionally demanding work who want a lower sensory impact performance, or those who feel alienated by the standard audience expectations.

Events listed as relaxed performances have committed to designing one or more performances with thoughtful changes to all aesthetic aspects of the show. Relaxed Guides are available for Anything & Everything, Maureen: Harbinger of Death and Rewards for the Tribe below. Detailed content warnings are available on request. We are also working with venues to create appropriate quiet spaces.

Anything & Everything — Relaxed show: Thu 9 June, 6PM. Read the [Relaxed Guide](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/relaxed-guides/220527-anything-everything_relaxedguide-3.pdf BOOK NOW
Maureen: Harbinger of Death — Relaxed show: Sun 5 June, 4—5.15PM. Read the [Relaxed Guide](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/relaxed-guides/220527-maureen_relaxedguide-1.pdf BOOK NOW
Rewards for the Tribe — Relaxed show: Sat 4 June, 3—4PM. Read the [Relaxed Guide](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/relaxed-guides/220531-rewardsforthetribe_relaxedguide-1.pdf BOOK NOW
Single Channel Video — All sessions are relaxed: Thu 9—Sun 12 June. Read the [Relaxed Guide](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/relaxed-guides/rising-relaxedguide-scv.pdf Bookings not required.

![Captioning](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/open-captioning-1.svg Captioned performances

For these performances, captions are displayed on a screen for those of you who prefer to read what is being said. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of captioned performances and details about Captioning.

Heavy Congress

Venue accessibility

Our aim is to make sure you have all the information you need to enjoy RISING and that you feel welcome whether you use a mobility aid or cane, assistance animal, or you are bringing a companion.

We also recommend visiting ptv.vic.gov.au for the most up-to-date information on accessible transport to your event of choice.

Venues where access conditions are more challenging, such as at older or heritage listed buildings, can be identified by the symbol for Assisted Access as described below. If you have access needs or hold a Companion Card and want to book a ticket for your Companion, contact our Customer Service team on 03 9662 4242 or via ticketing@rising.melbourne.

If you require access support for travelling to any of our venues, please contact Travelers Aide and they will help you organise your transportation. All costs will need to be covered by the patron.

Venue Pages Access Information

Each event page links to its respective venue page under the main details at the top of the listing. On venue pages you will find the following details:

Direct venue contact details
Nearby accessible parking options
Nearby accessible drop-off points
The closest wheelchair-accessible tram and train stops
The approximate distance covered by a participant to complete the experience
The location of accessible entrances and bathrooms
Hearing augmentation available in the venue
Intra-site transport options available within the venue
Dog-rest areas

In April, we will be providing filmed Relaxed Guides to and from venues across the festival.

We also recommend visiting ptv.vic.gov.au journey for the most up-to-date accessible transport services to your event of choice.

![Assisted Access](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/assisted-access.svg Assisted Access

This symbol indicates assistance from a Companion is necessary for wheelchair users to navigate the space. Please see the Accessibility Services section of the event page and Venue pages for Assisted Access details for that venue and contact our customer service team to arrange a free companion assistance ticket along with your booking.

Golden Square — Sun—Thu, 5.30—10.30PM and Fri—Sat, 5.30—11.30PM.
Heavy Congress
HOW TO LIVE (after you die)
The Wilds

![Wheelchair Accessible](https://static.rising.melbourne/archive/access-icons/wheelchair-access.svg Wheelchair Accessible

Most RISING venues are wheelchair accessible. Where the wheelchair symbol can be found on an event page, then the venue has indicated to RISING that they are wheelchair accessible. Look out for the symbol on the event pages.

INCLUSION

At RISING, we have plans and strategies in place to keep us on track—an Accessibility Action Plan, a Reconciliation Plan, an Equity Action Plan and a Community Engagement Strategy.

We recognise we won’t get everything right straight out of the gate. We invite constructive criticism and we don't shy away from challenging the status quo. We're prepared to rip things up and start again. If you have feedback for us, please share it with us at feedback@rising.melbourne.