why we do what we do

Heartdancers is committed to the principle that artistic and cultural endeavours are essential to both individual identity and to an enlightened and tolerant society. We therefore seek to foster art and culture in all its forms, from traditional art forms, to community art, to the new aesthetic that is evolving from the communications revolution. We encourage collaboration, innovation and participation by all groups and generations within our community. 

We embrace the ability of the arts to cross disciplinary boundaries and be responsive and relevant to the community, providing important cultural, social and political access points for both its practitioners and its audiences. We believe in building the organisational and artistic capacity of the artists we support, encouraging cross cultural and multi art form collaborations and promoting innovation and community engagement. We actively seek to collaborate with other partners to leverage our support in order to achieve these goals.

The Problem:

The creative sector faces significant challenges, particularly for underrepresented groups such as First Nations artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) artists, Artists of Colour, and those based in regional NSW, as well as arts and cultural workers. These individuals often contend with insecure incomes, limited opportunities, and systemic barriers to building sustainable careers in the arts. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these disadvantages, deepening existing inequities and marginalising these communities even more

As highlighted in Revive: Australia's Cultural Policy for the Next Five Years, while some of the country's most prominent artists enjoy widespread recognition, the reality for the majority is a daily struggle for financial stability and creative opportunity. This disparity underscores the need for a more expansive and inclusive approach to fostering sustainable careers in the arts, particularly for those who remain underrepresented.

Heartdancers has long recognised this gap and has been at the forefront of creating pathways to employment and professional development for artists from these communities. By leveraging the arts and culture as powerful tools for addressing some of NSW's and Australia's most pressing societal challenges, Heartdancers plays a vital role in the arts and cultural ecosystem.

The Opportunity:

NSW is rich in talent and cultural diversity, with vast untapped potential in storytelling, cultural tourism, and the creative industries. As Revive points out, Australia has not fully invested in discovering, refining, and sharing the stories, music, art, and performances of its diverse communities. This includes the many skilled and creative individuals fluent in languages other than English and the untapped market opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

There is an undeniable global appetite for authentic stories, cultural tourism, and entertainment. This presents a significant opportunity for growth and diversification within NSW's arts and cultural landscape. By nurturing local talent and supporting culturally rich initiatives, we can create new pathways for storytelling, foster tourism-focused experiences, and build new audiences.

As Revive eloquently states, "The creative spirit is by nature entrepreneurial." Supporting artists and communities from diverse backgrounds will not only enrich our cultural narrative but also grow the entire ecosystem, from regional communities to metropolitan centres like Sydney. Local groups and organisations will be empowered to build sustainable activities that reflect the unique cultural fabric of NSW.

Heartdancers’ Role:

For nearly a decade, Heartdancers has been dedicated to addressing these challenges by:

• Providing underrepresented and regional artists with income opportunities, professional development, and employment pathways.
• Promoting arts and culture as vehicles for social cohesion, cultural diversity, and community empowerment.
• Advocating for and investing in the creative potential of First Nations and, CALD, and regional artists and LGBTQIA+ artists from these backgrounds.

Heartdancers plays a critical role in strengthening the arts and cultural ecosystem in NSW. We believe that no artist should feel forced to leave their home or community to pursue their craft. Instead, we work to create an inclusive, thriving creative landscape that celebrates diverse voices and stories, fostering unity, belonging, and a sense of pride in our shared cultural heritage.

As we move forward, Heartdancers is committed to addressing systemic inequalities, building sustainable programs, and nurturing the creative spirit across NSW. Together, we can transform the arts sector into a dynamic, inclusive space that uplifts all artists and enriches the lives of communities across the state.