Heartland : Exchange

Join artists from across Heartland Festival 2026 for a thought-provoking conversation exploring place, belonging and cultural safety in contemporary arts practice.

Heartland : Exchange brings together creatives working across cultures, disciplines and communities to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of creating meaningful spaces for dialogue and connection. As conversations around cultural safety, social cohesion and community standards continue to evolve, artists are increasingly navigating complex questions about freedom of expression, responsibility and the role of art in public life.

Together, participants will explore how concepts intended to protect and support artists, arts workers and audiences can sometimes come into tension with the challenging nature of creative practice. When art provokes, questions or unsettles, where does responsibility lie? And how can we foster spaces that are both courageous and inclusive?

Through open discussion and shared experiences, this gathering offers an opportunity to connect with fellow festival artists, exchange ideas and reflect on the power of art to inspire understanding, challenge assumptions and strengthen community.

Presented as part of Riverside Live at PHIVE.