City of Parramatta recognised at Local Government NSW awards

The City of Parramatta’s Artists’ Studios has picked up one of the top gongs at the 2023 Local Government Awards, winning the Arts and Cultural Strategy/Plan of the Year for its First Nations Engagement Framework.

The awards recognise excellence in communication, arts and culture and planning across the state.

The framework created by Parramatta Artists’ Studios (PAS), outlines the City’s appreciation of and commitment to First Nations people, artists and communities, and is a statement of commitment to support and embed First Nations-led programming.

PAS’ commitment includes building respectful and responsible long-term relationships with First Nations artists and communities; and championing visibility of First Nations artists and culture through programming and infrastructure. PAS also aims to support the development of sustainable practice and careers of First Nations artists in the Parramatta region.

The framework has opened the door for practical initiatives, such as a new First Nations space at the studios.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey congratulated everyone involved, particularly First Nations people who led the consultation, and said the win proves Parramatta is at the forefront of arts and cultural inclusion.

“I’m so proud of everything we have achieved at the City of Parramatta in the past 12 months, particularly our engagement with First Nations people, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our staff,” Cr Pandey said.

“This award recognises the high standard of work being produced by the City of Parramatta’s Artists’ Studios, who continue to deliver dynamic and inclusive arts and culture programs across our City”

Parramatta Artists’ Studios’ Director Sophia Kouyoumdjian said the First Nations-led consultation was pivotal to the framework’s success.

“I’m thrilled that our First Nations-led framework has been recognised for its extensive work to put First Nations artists at the forefront here at Parramatta Artists’ Studios,” Ms Kouyoumdjian said.

“This framework has driven the establishment of a First Nations studio, that is expected to open early next year as part of Parramatta Artists’ Studios’ new site at Granville.”