Holding Space

Holding Space is a three year annual program of artistic commissions, creative developments, workshops, public programs and events. Curated and led by CuriousWorks, this program provides a space for sharing cultural and creative ideas, experiences, and learning, with a focus on belonging and building stronger community connections.

In 2025, the theme is Rituals of Welcome. Artists will create works that explore how rituals can bring together traditional practices and modern responses, helping to foster connections within and between different cultures and communities. The first event will take place in partnership with the Sydney Opera House, in the Utzon Room.

Holding Space: Rituals of Welcome 2025 will feature works-in-progress, with a focus on artists from Western Sydney, First Nations backgrounds and refugee communities. This event is the culmination of a year-long program, showcasing the work of 18 artists and over 200 community participants from Western Sydney and beyond, engaged in residencies, creative developments and community based workshops. The works will explore themes like the environment, traditional healing practices, and connection to the land, with some being developed in close collaboration with refugee communities.

Part 1: Rituals of Welcome - Connection and contemplation
1-2:30pm

Part 2: Rituals of Welcome - Artist Panel: Ancestral practices, rites and ceremonies in contemporary life
Artist Panel
3.30 - 4.30pm

PART 3: COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
6 - 8pm

Holding Space is funded by the NSW Government through the Multicultural NSW COMPACT Program. Our project collaborators are SSI’s Community Refugee Welcome Centre located at Callan Park, Lilyfield, and Community Partners Sydney Opera House.