Heartland : Exchange

Bringing together artists from across the Heartland Festival 2026 , Heartland : Exchange is an opportunity to gather, connect, and share stories around the themes of place, belonging, and cultural safety.

This conversation begins with a shared commitment to creating spaces free from discrimination, harassment, and harm. Yet as artists continue to engage with challenging and provocative work, the language surrounding safety is becoming increasingly contested.

Terms such as cultural safety, social cohesion, and community standards are often used to support and protect artists, arts workers, and audiences. But what happens when these concepts are used to soften, delay, or shut down difficult conversations?

Are we beginning to confuse comfort with safety? And where does responsibility lie when art provokes, unsettles, or challenges deeply held beliefs? Join fellow festival artists for an open and thoughtful conversation exploring these questions, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the role of art in creating courageous spaces for dialogue and connection.

More Info Heartland: Exchange is part of Heartland Festival 2026, explore all HEARTLAND FESTIVAL 2026 events FREE EVENT Please note this is a free event, but RSVP is essential as capacity is limited. Accessibility In English.

Wheelchair accessible. Companion Card accepted. Assistive Hearing system available (FM). Find out more about accessibility at PHIVE . Additional Ticketing Information $0.00 Transaction Fee applies . The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres .

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge.

A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions . Heartland: Exchange is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government Program.