Bankstown Arts Centre awarded best program

​CBCity’s Bankstown Arts Centre has won the Best Arts Program Award for its 2019 Boundless Festival, in the FBi Radio Sydney Music, Arts and Culture (SMAC) Awards.

Bankstown Arts Centre collaborated with Writing NSW, in association with Sweatshop, to deliver the Boundless Festival. The event helped people unpack pressing issues of our time, and celebrated the exceptional talent of Indiegnous and culturally diverse writers.

The festival also invited the community to join in on a free day of performances, readings and an exhibition. It facilitated conversations and discussion panels, which explored narratives around growing up in Australia, and the significance of reviving and reclaiming Indigenous languages.

Mayor Khal Asfour was proud of the Centre’s SMAC Award. He said it reflected the ongoing dedication and innovation staff have for creating award-winning programs in the community.

"To have the Boundless Festival pick up an award in its second year really celebrates us as the place for where interesting happens," Mayor Asfour said.

"This recognition from independent youth radio station FBi, really shows that our programs are cutting through in speaking and relating to young people. To have this demographic so engaged through our Bankstown Arts Centre program is something we’re very proud of."

Gillian Kayrooz from FBi Radio said the festival "jumped out as an incredibly important and exciting event".

"This award should be celebrated ... The Sydney arts scene cannot simply dismiss the work that remains in continuing to support these communities in light of this award," she said.

Other nominees for the Best Arts Program SMAC Award included a dance tournament held at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.