Ausdance VIC has announced the launch of the CARM Creative Work – Healthier Futures project, a major new initiative funded by VicHealth through its Shifting the Playbook program.
This three-and-a-half-year project will strengthen cultural safety, employment pathways and representation in Victoria’s dance and performing arts sector, supporting Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) artists, dancers and arts workers to build sustainable creative careers.
The initiative aims to empower CARM communities to access the artistic, social and health benefits of dance, while contributing to a more inclusive, culturally safe and equitable arts sector across Victoria.
Building Cultural Safety and Creative Career Pathways
The CARM Creative Work – Healthier Futures project builds on a successful pilot incubator program designed and delivered by Kwabo Events. It is delivered by Ausdance VIC in partnership with Kwabo Events, City of Maribyrnong, City of Wyndham, City of Melbourne, Dancehouse, the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Nga Matai Purua and other community partners.
Together, these partners will:
- Strengthen culturally diverse training pipelines in dance and performing arts
- Support cross-sector collaboration between arts organisations and local government
- Expand employment pathways for CARM artists and arts workers
- Increase representation and leadership opportunities in the creative industries
By amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences, the project will foster belonging, visibility and long-term participation in Victoria’s arts and cultural landscape.
Addressing Underrepresentation in Victoria’s Performing Arts Sector
People from CARM backgrounds remain underrepresented across Victoria’s performing arts and dance sector. Many programs are not designed with — or informed by — the cultural knowledge, lived experience and aspirations of these communities, often contributing to culturally unsafe environments, reduced access and poorer wellbeing outcomes.
The CARM Creative Work – Healthier Futures project directly responds to these systemic gaps by strengthening organisational cultural safety and creating clearer pathways into creative employment.
What the Project Will Deliver
Key activities include:
- Organisational upskilling in cultural safety
- Community-led training and performance programs
- Public events and live dance productions
- Local government-based creative employment pathways
- Mentorship and professional development for emerging and established artists
By reducing structural barriers and increasing access to meaningful employment in the arts, the project will contribute to greater diversity, visibility and authentic representation in Victorian dance and performing arts, alongside improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes for CARM communities.
The CARM Creative Work – Healthier Futures project forms part of VicHealth’s broader Shifting the Playbook initiative, which supports programs that improve health equity, reduce discrimination and strengthen social and cultural inclusion for CARM communities across Victoria.