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City of Wollongong
Resident Visitor Business


Culture Mix - Arts Precinct

There's plenty going on in the Arts Precinct, from exciting performances at the Celebration Stage, through to interactive workshops at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Explore the program for each location below.

The Celebration Stage kicks off with a powerful Welcome to Country, setting the tone for a day of immersive cultural experiences. The program will offer a rich tapestry of music and dance, with a focus on four special showcase programs – South-East Asian, Persian, Dabke Arabic and finally Latin American with Fiesta Latina.

Try something new, taste global flavours, soak up live music, and kick back on a deck chair. Whether you're dancing, dining, or just taking it all in, it's the perfect spot for cultural discovery and relaxed family fun.

TimeProgramDescription
11 - 11.30am Welcome Ceremony *Welcome to Country: Aunty Sharralyn Robinson
Cultural Dance: Kugang Djarmbi
Smoking Ceremony: Uncle Peter Button.
11.30 - 11.35am Opening Speech * Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown will give an opening speech.
11.35 - 11.38am Speech * The Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong will speak.
11.40am - 12.40pm South-East Asian Showcase  
11.40 - 11.45am Putri Ayu Indonesia Dance Group Traditional Jaipongan dance called Ronggeng Nyentrik - a traditional dance from West Java, performed by mother and daughter's ensemble.
11.55am - 12.15pm Traditional Vietnamese Wedding performance The Vietnamese Aged Group share a performance of a traditional cultural wedding ceremony, blending ancient customs and modern influences.
12.20 - 12.40pm Chin Zomi Traditional Dance Performance Young people share traditional Chin Zomi dance.
12.45 - 1pm Lion Dance: Australian Yau Kung Mun Association Traditional Lion dance performance.
1 - 1.40pm Persian Showcase Traditional Persian dance by Mitra Dance Group with live music by the East Band with audience participation invited.
1.45 - 2pm Macedonian Women’s Group Healthy Illawarra Traditional Macedonian Oro dance celebrating cultural unity, connecting generations and expressing stories of belonging.
2.05 - 2.20pm Serbia - St John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Folkloric ensemble Folkloric dancing from the central Serbian plains.
2.25 - 2.40pm East African Dancers Umushayayo traditional dance performance representing Rwandan and Burundian culture.
2.45 - 3.35pm Dabke - Arabic Showcase Immerse yourself in sounds and energy of captivating music from the Middle East, featuring live drumming performances and more.
3.45 - 4pm Bateria 61 Join the Brazilian carnival rhythms of Bateria 61 on the Arts Precinct green.
4 - 6pm Fiesta Latina SALCO presents two hours of high-energy Latin American Fiesta, featuring traditional Colombian sounds from Mi Hermano Yo and beats by Latin Power.

Thank you to our MC Malika Reese.

    Culture Mix is an accessible event.

* Auslan Interpreted
^ For vision impaired community

Experience a range of cultural immersions from around the world at our Global Village. We will be showcasing South-East Asia, Middle Eastern, Latino, Persian and African cultures through displays, music, dance, craft, tasting of food and conversations.

Presented in conjunction with the Celebration Stage program which will feature music and dance from each showcase culture, the Global Village offers a snapshot into cultures, their history, stories and traditions.

TimeProgramDescription
11am - 6pmBazaar of CulturesMiddle Eastern and African Community Greetings Stall presented by Grand Pacific Health, Community Living Skills for Refugees Program. Come and try a Syrian coffee.
11am - 6pmIllawarra Iranian AssociationSharing Persian language, traditional crafts, heritage and backgammon.
12 - 4pmKarenni Traditional WeavingPresented by the Wollongong Karenni Community, this display showcases Karenni traditional backstrap weaving.
4 - 6pmSALCO Chorizo y CulturaEnjoy the authentic flavours of Latin America as part of the Fiesta Latina celebrations, with freshly grilled chorizo with bread and chimichurri for everyone to enjoy.

Express yourself at an interactive art activity or explore the exhibitions currently showing at the Gallery.

TimeProgramDescription
10 - 11am Audio Description Tour of FEVER ^ Audio description of works in the FEVER exhibition for blind and low vision participants.
12 - 5pm FEVER First Nations works from the collection with works by guest artist, Yugambeh-Bundjalung and Kannakan artist Juundaal Strang-Yettica.
12 - 5pm Here + Now 5: There’s No Place Like Home A biennial exhibition celebrating the creativity of local emerging curators and artists under 30.
12 - 5pm Drawn Together This drop-in collaborative artwork encourages participants to draw what ‘home’ means to them.
1 - 2pm Warrigal (Dingo) Pup Making Workshop 1* Weave your own baby dingo and discover the dingo’s vital role in protecting Australia’s biodiversity.
2 - 3pm AUSLAN Interpreted Tour of FEVER * Join curator Alinta Maguire on an AUSLAN interpreted tour of FEVER.
3 - 4pm Warrigal (Dingo) Pup Making Workshop 2 Weave your own baby dingo and discover the dingo’s vital role in protecting Australia’s biodiversity.

    Culture Mix is an accessible event.

* Auslan Interpreted
^ For vision impaired community

Sharing stories from around the globe. The Wollongong Library program features installations, storytelling and workshops which are family friendly and provide accessible programs for all ages and abilities.

TimeProgramDescription
11.30am - 5pm Echoes of Heritage: A Palestinian Australian Story on Canvas A visual artwork that seeks to depict the duality of identity as a Palestinian who has grown up in Australia. It conveys the collective Palestinian story, the struggle over connection to land, diaspora, apartheid and genocide.
11.30am - 5pm From the Mother Presented by Yindyamarra Walkabouts, this immersive installation shares Aboriginal stories from Local Elders through cultural objects, sensory elements, and a powerful connection to Country.
11.30am - 5pm Tell the Stories This interactive art installation by Jes R. R. Alexander is inspired by communal storytelling traditions, inviting the public to pause, reflect and connect with neighbours.
11.30am - 3.30pm Voices of Culture Mix We invite you to share your personal story - what brought you to Wollongong, and what makes it feel like home? Your story will be recorded and featured on the Illawarra Stories website.
11.30am - 12.10pm Shadow Stories from Around the World - Show Enjoy a lively mix of shadow puppetry inspired by traditional tales from across the globe. Presented by puppeteer Kay Yasugi from Pupperoos.
11.30am -2.30pm African Collar Necklace Workshop Get creative in this workshop where children aged 5+ can make an African necklace using bright beads and fun materials (children must be accompanied by parent/caregiver).
12.15 -12.45pm Shadow Stories from Around the World - Workshop Learn to make your own Korean shadow puppets based on traditional folk tales. For children 5+ (must be accompanied by parent/caregiver).
12.15 – 12.30pm Now my Life is New – Story Reading Join 7-year-old Satyam as he shares his story of moving from South Africa to his new home in Wollongong.
12.30 – 2pm Mandala Bookmarks – A Celebration of Unity Join Satyam and Natasha Chellen and explore the beauty and meaning behind mandala bookmarks. Take one home and tuck it into your favourite book.
2 - 2.15pm Tamil Kuthu Dance Performance With pounding beats, bold moves, and vibrant expressions, Varsha Varghese brings the spirit of Tamil cinema and street culture to life.
2.15 - 2.45pm Tamil Kuthu Dance Workshop Rooted in Tamil cinema and street culture, Dappan Kuthu dance is a powerful way to express yourself. Let the beats bring out your inner rhythm in this workshop. Beginners welcome, for children 8+.
2.30 - 3.30pm Aboriginal Weaving Workshop 1 Learn to weave bracelets, in this workshop brought to you by Buribun Art. Beginners welcome, for children 8+.
3 - 3.30pm The Nightingale Puppet Show Step into a magical world with this enchanting puppet show, by Shake Shake Theatre performed from an old suitcase and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale. For children 4+.
3.30 - 4.30pm Aboriginal Weaving Workshop 2 Learn to weave bracelets in this workshop brought to you by Buribun Art. Beginners welcome, for children 8+.
3.40 - 4.40pm The Nightingale Puppet Workshop Get creative and craft your own sand puppet! Using simple materials and a touch of imagination, bring your puppet to life. For children 5+ (must be accompanied by parent/caregiver).

This year, the streets will come alive with the parades and roving performances from Crown Street Mall travelling to the Arts Precinct.

From the beloved Lion Dance, weaving through the crowd with colour and energy, to our Culture Mix Street Parade, led by Bateria 61. The Samambia dancers along with the spirited crew from Wollongong’s Conservatorium of Music are guaranteed to get you moving to the beat!

Join the parade with your own instrument or make one on the day at the Culture Kids area. Come along to the workshop before the parade at the World Stage to learn the moves and grooves.

TimeProgramDescription
11am - 12pm Han Dynasty Roving Performance Group Dressed in elegant Tang-style Hanfu made of silk and linen, they showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
12.30 - 12.45pm Lion Dance: Australian Yau Kung Mun Association Roving Traditional Lion Dance weaves its way down Crown St and into the Arts Precinct.
12.45 - 1pm Lion Dance: Australian Yau Kung Mun Association Performance Traditional Lion Dance acrobatic performance in the Arts Precinct.
3- 4pm Han Dynasty Roving Performance Group Dressed in elegant Tang-style Hanfu made of silk and linen, they showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
3.15 - 3.30pm Culture Mix Street Parade Workshop Join this fun musical workshop led by samba band Bateria 61 and musicians from Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Community Ensembles Program - all welcome - bring an instrument to play in the Parade!
3.30 - 3.45pm Culture Mix Street Parade Be part of this exciting musical parade led by samba band Bateria 61, the Samambia dancers, and musicians from Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Community Ensembles Program.
3.45 – 4pm Bateria 61 and the Samambia Dancers Performance Join Bateria 61 and the Samambia dancers in the Arts Precinct on the green.
4.30 - 5.30pm Han Dynasty Roving Performance Group Dressed in elegant Tang-style Hanfu made of silk and linen, they showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.

Join The After Party hosted by The Icon if you just don’t want the party to stop. Featuring a live Salsa Band, DJ, happy hour and kitchen open until midnight. You can find The Icon at 10 Town Hall Place, Wollongong.

TimeDescription
11am - midnightThe Icon will be open serving dishes with a Mediterranean influence, with traditional Greek dishes paired with American and Aussie classics.
3 - 7pmHappy hour specials.
5 - 8pmLive salsa band to get the party started.
8pm - midnightDJ through the night for those who want to keep the Culture Mix party going.

Bob Peet Studio, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
11.30am - 4.30pm

Some people struggle with sensory regulation in loud and unpredictable environments such as community events, which can overwhelm them or cause anxiety. The Quiet Space is for people who:

  • Need a calm place to take a break
  • Feel anxious and overwhelmed by crowds and noise
  • Need sensory activities to feel calm

Please note, the Quiet Space is not a kids play area.

Participating Businesses

These local businesses are also joining Culture Mix to complete your food journey.

BusinessOfferLocation
2 Smoking Barrels Pit smoked American BBQ rolls and plates from the food stall in the Arts Precinct. Shop 2/83 Crown Street Wollongong
An Chut Chut Traditional Vietnamese Food. Arts Precinct
87A Crown Street Wollongong
The IconKitchen open from 11am with Greek Bottomless Brunch and The After Party from 5pm.10 Town Hall Place, Wollongong
The Social Open from 9am - 5pm for visitors to the Arts Precinct. IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong

There's plenty more to explore at Culture Mix! Check out the program in Crown Street Mall or Lower Crown Street.

...and more!

There’s lots more to look forward to. Visit the Culture Mix webpage or check out our Facebook event page for regular updates.

#CultureMixWollongong

    Culture Mix is an accessible event.

Our supporters

Supported by

NSW Government logo

Culture Mix is made possible thanks to a NSW Government grant.

Community support

Wollongong City Council would like to acknowledge the support of our Multicultural Community Advisory Group who guided the development of Culture Mix 2025. Representatives were: Illawarra Multicultural Services - Ann Burbrook; Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra - Zahra Javadi; Karenni Community and Multicultural Health - Francis Kayphoe; Indian Community and Coordinare - Smriti Jaiswal; Pasifika Community - Marion Teao; and People with Disability - Eren Maltby.

We’d also like to thank Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group for their advice and support in this project.

Media Partner

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