Harambee: Collective Stories of Belonging
Date and Location
Location: Balam Balam, Brunswick (several rooms)
Date: Sunday 15 November 2026, 1PM - 8PM
CONNECT & BELONG: POC CREATIVE INDUSTRIES NETWORKING
Networking
1PM, 15 Novmber 2026
We are starting the day by bringing together People of Colour (POC) working, studying or aspiring to work in the creative industries, alongside organisations, industry professionals and community partners committed to building a more diverse and inclusive arts sector.
This networking gathering creates an opportunity to meet, exchange experiences, build meaningful connections and explore potential collaborations. Whether you are an emerging creative, an industry practitioner, a student or an organisation looking to connect with diverse creative talent, join us to strengthen networks and create pathways for greater representation, visibility and opportunities across the arts.
ROOTED & RISING: STORIES OF BELONGING
Live Performance
2:40PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Revisiting the powerful stories of Rooted & Rising (2025), this year's performance brings together returning dancers from the 2025 production alongside emerging singers and spoken word artists.
Featuring Director & Choreographer Gracieuse Amah, Choir lead Liona Tatafu, three returning dancers Elma, Sannie and Jason, two emerging singers Ella and Josiah, one spoken word artist Mary and musician Matthieu, the performance brings together different artistic voices and perspectives to share cultural stories of belonging.
Through movement, music, voice and storytelling, artists explore identity, heritage, culture and the many ways we experience belonging. Celebrating both established connections and emerging creative voices, the performance creates space for stories to be shared, cultures to be celebrated and new connections to take shape.
A collective expression of who we are, where we come from and the places we call home.
CONNECT & EXCHANGE: ARTISTS, ALUMNI & INCUBATOR PARTICIPANTS
Cultural Talk
4PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Come together for an opportunity to connect, share experiences and celebrate creative journeys. Hear from artists featured in the performance alongside returning 2025 alumni dancers and current Kwabo Incubator participants Kai, Maiki, Joy, Rosa and Cano. Through an informal conversation, they will share their experiences, creative journeys and reflections on collaboration, cultural storytelling and belonging. A space for intergenerational exchange, inspiration and building meaningful connections across the creative community.
HEADLINER: NYASHA
6:15PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Join Nyasha for a special performance celebrating her creative journey, cultural identity and connection to her homeland. Through music and storytelling, she shares the cultural influences, personal experiences and stories that have shaped her both as an individual and as an artist.
Following her recent listening party, this performance offers an opportunity to experience her artistic expression and the stories, memories and cultural connections woven into her music.
AZONLI : Walking in My Shoes
Exhibition
5PM - 7PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Walking in Fon (Benin)
AZONLI is an invitation to discover the cultural stories of the 2026 Kwabo Incubator participants and deepen your understanding through personal reflection.
As you explore the exhibition, take seven or more leaves and write or draw your thoughts, feelings and reflections inspired by the stories and experiences you encounter. Add your leaves to the tree and become part of this collective expression of belonging.
NAM NAM: STORIES THROUGH FOOD
Food Storytelling
5PM - 7PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Food is more than nourishment; it carries memories, traditions, identity and stories passed down through generations. It can transport us back to our roots, remind us of loved ones and make us feel at home, wherever we are.
NAM NAM invites visitors to explore the cultural stories behind food through a participatory exhibition celebrating the recipes, flavours and traditions that connect us to our roots and to one another.
Visitors are invited to share a meaningful cultural food recipe, along with the memories, stories or traditions attached to it. Each contribution will become part of a collective digital recipe book, bringing together diverse food cultures and personal stories into a shared celebration of heritage, connection and belonging.
Because sometimes, the taste of home is found in the stories we share.
Talk with artists and 2025 & 2026 incubator participants
SPECIAL DJ SETS & MUSIC
7PM - 8PM, 15 Novmber 2026
Get ready to close the day with DJ Cherry Pip, bringing the energy through an uplifting mix of African sounds, Afrobeat, Afropop and global rhythms. A celebration of music, culture and connection, inviting everyone to come together, dance and celebrate the diversity of our community.
Food Ticket Required
Lunch 1:45PM
Dinner 5PM - 7PM
Enjoy a very affordable cultural meal supported by Tastes of Senegal
Include Cater for Halal, GF, Vegan
