Cultural ties strengthened between Canberra and Wellington via art exchange programs

ACT Government art exchange initiatives are strengthening cultural ties between Canberra and Wellington. The 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange provides opportunities for local artists to engage in international cultural exchange and to develop self-determined creative projects that reflect and strengthen Canberra’s unique cultural identity.

Canberra-based artist Alinta Barlow (pictured top) has been selected to participate in the 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange, a four-week international residency in Wellington (Pōneke), New Zealand. Barlow, an early-career Ngunnawal artist and educator working across music and visual arts, is a member of the Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Group and is known for her work reviving Ngunnawal language through creative expression.

During the exchange, Barlow will engage with Māori artists, cultural institutions, and the wider arts community. She will be hosted by Te Whare Hēra, an artist and community program  established by Wellington City Council and Massey University. The exchange provides an opportunity for research and development, cultural exchange, and international networking.

Barlow shared “To be given the opportunity to learn from another Indigenous culture is to also be given the opportunity to strengthen the roots of my own culture - through the sharing of stories and art practices that keep our cultural stories thriving all around the world.”

As part of the exchange program, Canberra will welcome Jamie Berry (pictured above) from Pōneke, a Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Ruanui multidisciplinary artist. Berry will travel to Canberra to undertake a residency with a local arts organisation in November this year. Jamie will be supported with access to studio space, facilities, and community engagement opportunities tailored to their artform.

In addition to the 2025 Canberra Pōneke Indigenous Artist Exchange, seven Indigenous artists have been awarded almost $100,000 in funding through the 2024–25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program.

Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson noted “these two initiatives are a powerful demonstration of how we can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to grow their practice, connect with community, and share culture both locally and internationally.

“I congratulate Alinta as well as all the recipients of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program. Their work enriches our community and strengthens our city’s culture.

“I also look forward to welcoming Pōneke artist Jamie Berry to Canberra later this year as part of this important cultural exchange.”

For more information on the programs and future opportunities, visit theartsACT website.

Image top. Canberra-based artist Alinta Barlow; image below: Jamie Berry multidisciplinary artist