Good Neighbours Australia is connecting generations through its intergenerational art project, Connection Through Creativity, for Sydney’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across 16-weeks of beginners’ art classes, from July to November.

Sponsored by the NSW Government and hosted by GNAU, the free art classes aim to overcome social isolation and foster connections between young adults, aged 18 to 40 years, and senior members of the Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Sri Lankan and other multicultural communities in Sydney.

Guided by an experienced art instructor, each class will see 15 young adults paired with 15 seniors to work on a complementary painting. Each group will meet for 4 weeks, strengthening their bonds over time. The classes are specifically designed to stimulate conversation as participants connect over creating art and sharing morning tea.

Many of the young adult participants will be recruited through a new partnership with the Australian Catholic University‘s community engagement team, which encourages students to volunteer and work with people who may experience disadvantage or marginalisation as part of their studies.

Other new partners for the program include SydWest Multicultural Services in Blacktown, the Inner West Library network and the Philippine Australian Society for Senior Citizens.