Creative Bridges

Exploring national identity, belonging and the immigrant experience through contemporary art

Creative Bridges is an inclusive arts program focused on how migration can reshape our sense of identity, home and belonging. Bringing together newly arrived and established residents, the program uses creative practice to explore the fluidity of national identity and the ways our sense of self evolves between cultures. Through making together, participants reflect on what it means to leave home, cross borders, settle into a new country facing numerous challenges. Creative Bridges is a space where different journeys meet, stories shared, and new perspectives emerge through the joy of making together.

1. Vision

The program uses contemporary art as a bridge between cultures, generations and lived experiences creating opportunities for people to explore national identity, share stories and strengthen a sense of belonging in their new or existing community.

Migration creates tension between different cultures where ideas of home, nationality and traditions are constantly reimagined. That’s why national identity is always evolving and changing. 

2. Why it matters

Moving cities or countries is more than just changing a location. It can transform how people understand themselves, their cultural identity, habits and reshapes a sense of home.

Creative Bridges is an accessible environment where these experiences can be explored through creative practices. Making together can open conversations, encourage curiosity and establish connections between people who may have limited opportunities to meet.

This aligns with VicHealth’s Connected and Creative Communities research⁠, which identifies creativity, social connection, belonging and connection to place as important dimensions of community wellbeing. VicHealth also recommends community-led creative initiatives, storytelling and intergenerational activities as ways to strengthen social connection. (VicHealth⁠)

3. Objectives

Creative Bridges aims to:

• Explore the changing of identity through migration
• Create connections between newly arrived and established residents
• Encourage cross-cultural exchange and curiosity
• Provide a creative space for sharing stories and lived experiences
• Strengthen belonging and participation in a local community life
• Connect people across cultures, generations and backgrounds
• Celebrate cultural diversity while exploring human experiences
• Create opportunities for residents to contribute to the cultural life of their community

4. Who it is for

Creative Bridges can be adapted for newly arrived immigrants, established residents, multicultural communities, families, young people, older residents and intergenerational groups.

The program can be particularly valuable for communities experiencing rapid population growth or cultural change, creating opportunities for newcomers and longer-term residents to meet through a shared creative practice.

It can also complement existing council initiatives in multicultural engagement, community development, social inclusion, settlement support, libraries, neighbourhood houses, youth programs, wellbeing, arts and culture and community engagement.

More than just a community activity Creative Bridges can provide a creative layer that connects existing services, organisations and community networks.

This approach reflects VicHealth guidance encouraging councils to co-design culturally relevant opportunities for social connection and to use creative, community-led activities to strengthen participation and belonging. (VicHealth⁠)

5. Program Structure

Creative Bridges combines artist-led contemporary art activities with visual storytelling, reflection and cultural exchange.

Participants explore migration, national identity and belonging through themes such as:

• Where I Come From
• Who I Am
• Where is My Home?
• My New Community
• Between Two Places
• My New Friends 
• What Do We Carry With Us?
• Becoming Australian

Creative approaches may include drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, mixed media and other contemporary art practices.

The program can be adapted to different communities, age groups and council priorities.

Examples and program formats available on request.

6. Expected Outcomes

For participants

• Greater confidence in creative self-expression
• Opportunities to share and reflect on personal stories 
• New social connections across cultural backgrounds
• Greater sense of belonging and connection to place
• Increased opportunity to participate in local community life

For the community

• Stronger relationships between newly arrived and established residents
• Greater understanding of different cultural experiences
• Opportunities for intercultural dialogue
• Greater visibility of diverse local stories and identities
• Stronger sense of belonging, participation and community connection

Creative participation can provide outstanding opportunities for people to connect, express themselves and feel part of community life. VicHealth identifies social connection as an important contributor to wellbeing and highlights creativity and cultural participation as ways to strengthen connection and belonging. (VicHealth⁠)

Creative Bridges contributes to this policy by creating a welcoming shared experience where residents can meet across cultural difference, build relationships and participate in the cultural life of their suburb.

For Councils

• Inspiring and inclusive community engagement
• A creative approach to multicultural community development
• Opportunities to celebrate lived experience and local stories
• Increased participation in arts and cultural programs 
• A tangible creative outcome that can be presented through an exhibition, digital display or community archive
• A program that can complement existing council programs and community-building initiatives

7. Partnership Opportunities

Art Connecting Communities partners with local councils, libraries, community centres, multicultural organisations, community groups and cultural institutions to deliver Creative Bridges.

The program can be funded through relevant council community grants, arts and culture funding, multicultural and inclusion initiatives, wellbeing programs or partnership funding.

The program also aligns with the Victorian local government framework, where community engagement is one of the core principles of the Local Government Act 2020. Councils must maintain a community engagement policy and use it in areas including community vision and council planning. (Local Government⁠)

8. Bring Creative Bridges to Your Community

Migration changes us. Communities change with us.

Creative Bridges offers a safe space to explore where we come from, where we belong and how our identities evolve when different cultures meet.

Bring Creative Bridges to your community and open up an inspiring opportunity for different journeys, cultures and generations to engage through contemporary art.

Contact us to develop a program for your community →

Research references

• VicHealth — Connected and Creative Communities⁠ — creativity, social connection, belonging and wellbeing. 
• VicHealth — Community Engagement & Partnerships⁠ — lived experience, storytelling, co-design and creative approaches to social connection. 
• VicHealth — Arts and Social Connection⁠ — arts participation, community connection and wellbeing. 
• Creative Victoria — National Arts Participation Survey⁠ — Victorian participation in arts and creativity, including reported benefits for wellbeing, understanding other cultures and Australian identity. 
• Victorian Government — Principles of the Local Government Act 2020⁠ — community engagement as a core principle for Victorian councils.