As the anchor university of Greater Western Sydney region, Western Sydney University has been proudly educating and supporting our linguistically and culturally diverse domestical and international students. The University is committed to forging a global impact through growing our transnational education in Asia and partnerships with international universities. Located in one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions of Australia, the Institute has been effectively engaging the local multicultural communities which are linked to all parts of Asia. To enlarge its impact and align its future success with the University’s strategic plans of deepening our engagements with our regional multicultural communities and broadening our educational ties with Asia region, the remit of the Institute is now expanded to include all Asian arts and cultures and the Institute is accordingly renamed as The Institute for Australian and Asian Arts and Culture. The Institute will retain the acronym IAC.
This expanded focus is a reflection of contemporary Australian society. It will enable a broader range of partnerships, activities and collaborations in teaching, learning, research and graduate programs, particularly with the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, and with other schools and divisions. It will also contribute to connecting the University’s home and offshore locations in Asia through arts and culture activities and programs. Significantly, this expansion makes the Institute the only one in Australia focusing on Asian arts and culture, increasing opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with local industries and organisation in the arts and culture sector, as well as sponsorships and philanthropic support.
