Beyond Boundaries: Journeying through Intercultural Arts Collaboration

Intercultural arts partnerships, when grounded in in-depth research, open up a world of possibilities—unlocking fresh perspectives, deepening creative processes, and enriching the broader arts ecosystem.

Recently, we hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion at Arts House in Melbourne that delved into the complexities and beauty of creating art across cultures and disciplines. Moderated by Dorcas Maphakela, the panel featured Lamine Sonko, Olive Moynihan, Amrit Gill, and Lauren Mullings, each bringing unique insights from their work at the intersection of cultural practice, research, and creative production.

The panelists reflected on how working across cultural and disciplinary boundaries fosters innovative approaches to creativity, pushing beyond conventional frameworks to produce work that is deeply layered, authentic, and resonant. A key takeaway from the conversation was the idea that creative works are also embodied forms of knowledge. In these contexts, the process of making art becomes a form of research in itself: iterative, exploratory, and deeply rooted in cultural exchange.

The discussion highlighted the importance of resisting the pressure to rush creative development, advocating for an approach that recognises research, development, and presentation as a circular and ongoing process, one that unfolds within and alongside communities. This approach allows artists to engage meaningfully with the cultural contexts they are working within, fostering deeper understanding and more meaningful outcomes. As intercultural partnerships continue to grow, so too does the potential for creating work that not only engages audiences and communities but also connects, educates, and transforms - we’re very excited to see the ideas and collaborations this conversation may ignite.