Arts and Cultural Exchange Inc.
First Nations Program · We worked with Western Sydney’s First Nations emerging and established artists providing continuous support and opportunities to pursue their artistic training with the support of our Dharug Knowledge Holders in order to continue cultural strength and self determination. · We upskilled 2 First Nations artists in the development of their artistry with performances as part of our Artist In Residency program. · We worked with Jannawi Dance Clan s Garrigarrang Badu, which is the firstever fulllength dance work in Dharug language, which invites audiences to bear witness to the strength, resilience, and power of the Dharug Matriarch. Youth Program · Our program propelled selfesteem, empowerment and expression through creativity. · Our program utilised the latest music programs and art frameworks to uplift overlooked voices in Western Sydney’s creative young people. · Our programs established new friendships and connections that propel young people into the creative industries, arming them with the self confidence and new skill sets to become future leaders. Women’s Hub Program · We provided economic independence, upskilling, personalised training and employment opportunities to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in Western Sydney. The different programs, offered for free, reduce disadvantage and isolation by facilitating creativity, innovation, and digital engagement to build and nurture confidence, wellbeing, participation, social inclusion and self determination. A major achievement was the culmination of a long project working with Wiradjuri / Kamilaroi artists Jonathan Jones on ‘untitled (transcriptions of country)’ with the Embroiderer s Collective. · We supported women to get back into the workforce or start their own small business by improving their communications skills, literacy and financial skills through business workshops to better their resumes and boost their confidence to present their best selves at interviews. · We supported their artistic practice through diverse creative mediums such as embroidery, weaving and storytelling to enhance their sense of pride and belonging. Screen Program · We supported and resourced filmmakers and storytellers from underrepresented communities and intersectional identities to hone their craft and reach wider audiences · We codesigned professional pathways with communities and the screen industry, to support employment opportunities and career development for our cohorts · We provided free industryfocused training opportunities for early career screen practitioners for target communities Disability Program · We provided 16 marginalised neurodiverse musicians, including those from CaLD and LGBTQI+ communities, with a free music making, recording, distribution & performance program which featured in an ABC TV Artworks episode and was the subject of a Guardian article.