Sharing Stories Arts Exchange 2025

Public Information Session

The Sharing Stories Arts Exchange (SSAE) is a creative participatory project focused on building positive reciprocal relationships between the Canberra community and local regional Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

For the first time in 2025, Sharing Stories will run two Programs, to both Walgalu Country in the Tumut region or NSW and on Yuin Country on the Far South Coast.

DATES – YUIN PROGRAM

The 2025 Yuin program will be held over 12 sessions from April until October and will include two field trips; 11 – 14 June & 10 – 13 September, day trips within the ACT, talks & presentations, and an exhibition presenting participant research and/or visual outcomes. This program is facilitated by Dr Amanda Stuart and Amelia Zaraftis.

DATES – WALGALU PROGRAM

For the first time in 2025, Sharing Stories will visit Walgalu Country with facilitators Aidan Hartshorn and Dr Amanda Stuart. This program will include one field trip to Walgalu Country on 8 – 11 April, day trips within the ACT, cultural awareness training and an exhibition with participants sharing visual and research outcomes. Past Sharing Stories participants are eligible to apply for this program.

Participants are invited to apply to either the Yuin or Walgalu Country Program.

ABOUT

Sharing Stories features culturally rich learning opportunities and events in the ACT as well as a structured creative field program visiting communities and culturally significant sites on Country.

On Yuin Country, areas include the Bundian Way which links Mount Kosciuszko with Twofold Bay on the Far South Coast of NSW and is a shared historic pathway used by Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.

On Walgalu Country participants will have the opportunity to engage with local community members and visit sites including; Brungle, Blowering Dam, Snowy Hydro Wall, Yarrangobilly Caves, Talbingo and Goobarragandra River. Past Sharing Stories participants are encouraged to apply for this program.

The core aim of the program is to build on existing shared values; learning from local First Nations people and increasing awareness and understanding of the complexities of culture and reconciliation through creative outcomes. Participants are invited to participate in truth listening and truth telling as they meet and gain understanding from First Nations knowledge holders and community members.

REQUIREMENTS

Participation in the program is welcome from all ACT-based artists, arts workers and creatives.

There are no fees for participating in these programs. However, a contribution to field trip accommodation will be required at the beginning of the program. Further details and payment options will be provided at the information session. Financial assistance for the cost of accommodation is also available to participants.

Sharing Stories Arts Exchange is supported by the ACT Government.

Image: Nathan Lygon from Yandama on Country shared a smoking ceremony with Sharing Stories participants on Yuin Country in June 2024.