MEDIA RELEASE

Fairfield Showcases Cutting-Edge Arts

Released 21 December 2004

Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766

Innovative Western Sydney community organisation Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) has received a great response to the cutting-edge digital arts projects featured at its Emerging Communities Showcase, held recently at Fairfield Forum Cinemas.

“ICE has received overwhelming interest in the videos and CDs played for the first time at the event,” said ICE Director Lena Nahlous. “This shows the vibrancy of communities in the Fairfield area who played a big role in the projects, which were all completed between 2002 and 2004 as part of ICE’s Emerging Communities program.”

“Fairfield City Council chose to sponsor the launch because, as a long-term partner in the Emerging Communities Program, it recognises the contribution of Fairfield residents and artists,” said Ms Nahlous.

The showcase included screenings of short films, documentaries and TV programs; live poetry and on-line diary (blog) readings; and live hip-hop performances, with participants from Somali, Sudanese, Sierra Leonean, Afghani, Burundian, Congolese, Tamil, Sinhalese, Bosnian and Arabic-speaking backgrounds.

“These projects developed the skills of participants, increasing employment opportunities and giving a voice to the diverse communities of Western Sydney. The showcase was also an important event for over 100 members of these communities, and the wider Sydney area, who attended,” said Ms Nahlous.

Speaking at the event, Fairfield Deputy Mayor Councillor Albert Mooshi said the exciting range of innovative arts and performances was evidence of the talent of the communities of Western Sydney.

ICE works at the intersection of arts and new technology, providing access to and supporting innovation in disadvantaged communities. ICE uses the process of Community Cultural Development (CCD) to develop arts and expression in diverse communities, and to produce artists and creative professionals who would otherwise have little access to professional development opportunities. The practice of CCD is particularly important for Western Sydney, the most culturally diverse region in Australia.

To order copies of the videos and CDs, please contact ICE on 9897 5744.

Media Enquiries:
Information and Cultural Exchange
9897 5744
Interviews and images available.