We’re thrilled to share updates from Shifting the Balance of Leadership Phase 2, a ground-breaking initiative championing mid-career Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) leaders in the arts and cultural sectors of NSW. Through fellowships, mentorships, and self-directed projects, these talented creatives are pushing boundaries and deepening their impact across the country.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the powerful work emerging from the participating leaders:
- Coti Cibils – Crip Rave Theory
Through her internship at PACT, Coti is gaining skills in accessible event production and marketing while advocating for the Ehlers-Danlos community. Her work blends disability advocacy with creative innovation to build more inclusive cultural spaces.
- Juan Guillermo Robayo Gómez – The Call of Fire Art Exhibition
An evocative art exhibition exploring the spirit and symbolism of fire across cultures. Featuring Elders’ stories, Latin American music, and striking visual art, this project sparks powerful intercultural dialogue.
- Lusi Austin – The Picnic Podcast Sessions
A warm and reflective podcast series exploring the lived experiences of CALD/CARM creatives in regional, remote, and rural Australia—told over shared meals and powerful storytelling.
- Oumi Karenga-Hewitt – Theatre Directing Mentorship
Oumi shadowed MJ the Musical’s Resident Director, Effie Nkrumah—an unforgettable experience in creative and cultural leadership. Surrounded by talented Black creatives and professionals of colour, Oumi gained invaluable insight into theatre-making.
- Piumi Wijesundara – Breaking and Entering: Culturally Diverse ‘Emerging’ Artist Panel
Co-organised with Maleen Jayasuriya, this vibrant artist panel at the University of Canberra opened honest dialogues about navigating the creative sector as an emerging CALD artist. A space for reflection and community.
Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more leaders transforming our creative future.
The Shifting The Balance Leadership Program by Diversity Arts Australia is supported by Create NSW, City of Sydney, TAFE NSW, and Creative Australia.
