Celebrating Diversity
New Beginnings Festival 2024
New Beginnings Festival (NBF) is SSI’s flagship multicultural festival dedicated to showcasing the talents of artists and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
From First Nations to newcomers this one-day festival showcases the work of culturally and linguistically diverse artists, makers, and entrepreneurs to Sydney audiences and beyond. Here, we celebrate and embrace the diversity of our community and ignite broader conversations about how we can foster a more inclusive society and promote equity – a pillar of SSI’s mission.
Live performances and DJs with our biggest and boldest lineup to date.
Food stalls featuring food from around the world.
Market stalls featuring entrepreneurs from refugee and migrant backgrounds, as well as those of Indigenous heritage.
Experiences to inspire and connect.
Full program for kids and families.
New Beginnings is a celebration of hope, unity, and a new beginning. Everyone is welcome because this is where you belong.
SSI
SSI is a community organization and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential.
We work with all people who have experienced vulnerability, including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, to build capacity and enable them to overcome inequality.
SSI Arts & Culture
In 2014, SSI established a new and innovative Arts & Culture program inspired by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their creative potential and participate meaningfully in the cultural life of a community— no matter where they come from, what language they speak, or their level of ability. New Beginnings Festival is the program's flagship event and is part of SSI Arts & Culture's diverse range of initiatives.
Collaborators
In collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum, New Beginnings Festival will be held at Murray Street, Darling Harbour.
“Every refugee and migrant represents a valuable thread in the rich tapestry of multicultural Australia. New Beginnings Festival provides a platform that gives artists from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to be seen, heard and appreciated.”
Shyamla Eswaran, New Beginnings Festival Ambassador 2022
New Beginnings 2023 Highlights
On the 28th of January, more than 6,000 people joined us at the New Beginnings Festival at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
It was such an incredible moment to be together after three years hiatus doing what we do best - connecting people through culture and stories very much owned and created in our community. It was a mind-blowing display of artistic expressions with one of the most beautiful backdrops we've ever seen at the festival.
You danced well into the night, laughed, connected, reunited, felt welcome, and the smiles all around are a testament to the hard work and care that was put into the festival by so many.
