ABOUT
Bringing artists together across cultures, practice and place.
Bringing together artists from across the Heartland Festival 2026, Heartland : Exchange is an opportunity to gather, connect, and share stories around the themes of place, belonging, and cultural safety.
This conversation begins with a shared commitment to creating spaces free from discrimination, harassment, and harm. Yet as artists continue to engage with challenging and provocative work, the language surrounding safety is becoming increasingly contested.
Terms such as cultural safety, social cohesion, and community standards are often used to support and protect artists, arts workers, and audiences. But what happens when these concepts are used to soften, delay, or shut down difficult conversations? Are we beginning to confuse comfort with safety? And where does responsibility lie when art provokes, unsettles, or challenges deeply held beliefs?
Join fellow festival artists for an open and thoughtful conversation exploring these questions, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the role of art in creating courageous spaces for dialogue and connection.
Heartland: Exchange is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government Program.
Presented as part of National Theatre of Parramatta’s Heartland Festival 2026
When:
Friday 27 November from 2pm – 5pm
Please note this is a free event, but RSVP is essential as capacity is limited.
Venue:
The venue for this event is at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square.
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