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 professional development workshops and performances as part of our 8weeks Artist in Residency program. We worked with Joshua Sly, a Proud Biripi, Worimi & Wiradjuri man, specialising in education and connection to country at Nepean High School, Emu Plains. The workshop engaged Nepean High School students in dance, storytelling and traditional tool making. Youth Program Our programs created safe and inspiring spaces for young people in Western Sydney to explore identity, creativity and leadership Our programs provided handson engagement with contemporary music and visual arts tools, where young people developed new skills, strengthened their confidence and found their voices Our programs fostered lasting peer connections and opened up pathways into creative industries and community leadership Women's Hub Program We delivered tailored support and capacitybuilding initiatives for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in Western Sydney. Our programs are designed to create meaningful pathways to employment by focusing on education, upskilling, and the development of creative skills Offered free of charge, our programs aim to address disadvantage and social isolation by encouraging creativity, innovation, and digital engagement strengthening participants' confidence, wellbeing, participation, social inclusion and self determination Women were empowered to reenter the workforce or launch their own small businesses through improved communication, literacy, and financial skills. Businessfocused workshops helped participants refine their resumes and build the confidence needed to present themselves effectively in job interviews. We nurtured artistic expression through a range of creative practices including embroidery, weaving, and storytelling fostering a deeper sense of pride, cultural connection, and belonging. Screen Program We supported filmmakers and content creators from marginalised communities to hone their craft, tell their stories and reach wide audience demographics We worked with industry partners and codesigned pathways for skills development and employment in the screen industry for emerging screen crew practitioners from underrepresented communities. Special Program We provided 24 marginalised neurodiverse musicians, including those from CaLD and LGBTQI+ communities, with a free music making, recording, distribution & performance program which included participation in collaborative projects with Powerhouse Museum, Australian Chamber Orchestra, MONA, Tasmania, ABCTV and 2SER Radio.