Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS), in partnership with Women NSW, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Women’s Week 2025 event—Breaking Ground: Women in Arts and Creativity Symposium, to be held on Thursday, 6 March 2025, in Parramatta. This landmark gathering will spotlight the exceptional talents of culturally diverse, Bla(c)k, migrant, refugee women and gender-diverse creatives in the arts, screen, and cultural sectors.
“Breaking Ground is more than an event—it’s a platform,” says Lena Nahlous, CEO of DARTS. “It’s about celebrating creative talent and work and forging pathways for leadership, representation, and equity in our industry. This symposium embodies Diversity Arts’ commitment to amplifying diverse women’s voices in the arts and ensuring their stories and contributions are recognised.”
Breaking Ground is a free, full-day hybrid event with a dynamic program of live performances, thought-provoking panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Focusing on creatives from Western Sydney and regional NSW, Breaking Ground is an invitation to connect, create, and champion change. Regional bursaries are offered to increase participation.
“When we come together, we create change. This symposium is a testament to the power of diverse women in the arts, not just as storytellers and visionaries but as leaders shaping the future of our industries. Breaking Ground is about lifting each other, strengthening our networks, and demanding the space we deserve in Australia’s creative landscape,” says DARTS Chairperson Cecilia Anthony.
With systemic barriers still limiting access, visibility, and leadership opportunities for diverse women in the creative sector, the Breaking Ground symposium provides a critical space for networking and connection and for tackling key issues through collective action.
Register for the symposium here: https://tinyurl.com/BreakingGroundIWD and apply for a regional bursary here: https://tinyurl.com/RegionalBursary.
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) is the national voice for ethno-cultural and migrant racial equity in the arts, cultural and creative industries.
This symposium is supported through Women NSW. DARTS receives core support from Creative Australia and Create NSW, as well as organisational support from Arts and Cultural Exchange.
Breaking Ground Symposium
Thursday, 6 March 2025
9 am-6 pm
Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE)
8 Victoria Road, Parramatta NSW
Symposium Registration: https://tinyurl.com/BreakingGroundIWD
Regional Bursary application: https://tinyurl.com/RegionalBursary