Vision

Working with artists and communities in South West Sydney, we actively shape a future culture that is vibrant, democratic, generative, and relevant for Australia and beyond.

We want to see a fair, inclusive, equitable, innovative arts landscape that reflects the plurality and complexity of lived experience in contemporary Australia.

We want to see resources disseminated fairly and imbalances corrected. We want abundant opportunities and pathways in the arts for all and especially for historically marginalised and minoritized people and communities.

We want a cultural landscape that is inclusive and expansive, where anyone can create, participate, enjoy, and feel belonging and agency to explore their potential through the arts.

We will play our part in creating this future culture from our base in South West Sydney.

Purpose

CuriousWorks exists at the intersection of contemporary multi-arts practice and community arts and cultural development. We work across art forms and disciplines, with a focus on screen works, digital media, and emerging art forms.

We nurture the ideas and the potential of art makers and future cultural leaders, creating space for the next generation to play, learn and grow. We believe in ethical and self-determined storytelling, and in the integrity of process, engaging deeply and meaningfully with artists, audiences, communities, and collaborators to produce and present new Australian work and cultural experiences that speak to the hyper-local of our home grounds in South West Sydney, and resonate far beyond.

We do this through commissioning new local work, co-creating cultural experiences with communities and artists, providing arts education programs, generating leadership and skills development opportunities, creating employment pathways, partnering in research and cultural development initiatives, and advocating alongside our peers for systemic change.

Our communities of focus often intersect, reflecting the reality of the plural and complex lived experiences in contemporary Australia. They include people from Western Sydney, First Nations peoples, culturally and racially marginalised people and people of colour, LGBTQI+, young people, older people, people living with disability, people who may be experiencing financial hardship, and people seeking asylum or those newly settled in Australia.

CHAIR REPORT

WELCOME TO OUR 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

I am delighted and proud to introduce the 2024 CuriousWorks Annual Report.

The achievements of CuriousWorks in 2024 speak for themselves, and words in an annual report can only go so far in capturing the true impact, beauty, and creativity of the works imagined and produced by our artists. From art works, creative developments, and artist residencies to internships, creative workshops, and social enterprise productions, the CuriousWorks team proudly delivered a total of 443 activities in 2024.

I had the privilege of witnessing some of our emerging artists grow and evolve from project to project, and I want to acknowledge the incredible mentors and staff at CuriousWorks who work tirelessly to support and champion the arts—and the artists—of Western Sydney.

I also want to acknowledge our CEO, Kiri Zakinthinos, whose leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. Kiri’s passion for the arts and deep knowledge of the industry are matched only by the commitment with which she leads the organisation.

I am grateful for the dedication and diligence of all members of the Management Committee: Anthony Lowe (Treasurer), Ashley Gray, Elizabeth Grady, and Sonia Chandra. We have worked together seamlessly, and the insight each brings to the Committee is invaluable. I sincerely appreciate the time and expertise everyone contributed throughout the year. In 2025, I look forward to welcoming new members to the Committee as we continue to broaden the diversity of knowledge and experience represented.

In its first year as a standalone organisation (following the release of its full membership of Co-Curious), the Management Committee of CuriousWorks established the Finance, Risk and Audit Subcommittee (FRAS). Meeting quarterly, FRAS plays a key role in overseeing the organisation’s financial health, risk management, audit matters, and policy issues. I would like to commend Anthony Lowe, who has done an exceptional job in establishing and chairing this subcommittee.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our partners, donors, and philanthropists who believe in what an organisation like CuriousWorks can achieve—and the artistic lives it can transform. Seeing the pride on our artists’ faces as their work was exhibited at the iconic Sydney Opera House reminds us why we do what we do. We are truly grateful for your support.

Ameer Ali, Chair