Culture Mix is back in 2025 and there's never been a better time for the community to get involved in what will be a highlight of Wollongong's cultural calendar.
The wildly popular celebration of Wollongong's vibrant and diverse community drew 16,000 people to Wollongong CBD in 2024 and will continue for a third year with the support of a $250,000 funding grant from the NSW Government's Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival program.
The Saturday 20 September event will see the return of the popular Food Fair, World Stage, Culture Kids programs and interactive workshops at Wollongong Library.
"Anyone who has experienced Culture Mix in its first two years will understand why we are so thrilled to see it continue for a third year," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"Cultural diversity is one of the great strengths of our city, and it's wonderful that an event celebrating such a wide range of cultures and communities remains on our calendar.''
While the event offers plenty to come and see, it is the opportunity for local people and communities to participate and showcase their cultures that has endeared Culture Mix to so many residents in the space of just two years.
It's why Council is thrilled to once again offer places on the performance and workshop program, as well as the Bazaar and Food Fair program that brings a distinctive and authentic flavour to the event.
Expressions of Interest for the cultural performance and workshop program are open to community-based or professional groups based in the Wollongong area that present an authentic and unique offering.
Applications for the Bazaar and Food Fair program are sought from grass roots multicultural groups or organisations based in Wollongong that offer a unique food or art and craft experience. Priority will be given to not for profit, community-based cultural groups or organisations.
"While Council coordinates the event, it's strength lies in the fact that it is a genuine community event that allows local community groups and organisations to take centre stage and be the true beating heart of the festival,'' Cr Brown said.
"Expressions of Interest to be part of the 2025 event are still open, and I encourage any groups with something special to add to the program to apply."
Expressions of Interest for both sections of the program are open until Midnight 14 May 2025. All EOIs will be assessed based on the goals and guidelines of the Culture Mix festival to offer a program with diverse and balanced cultural offerings.
The Performance and Workshop Program EOI form can be found here
The Cultural and Food Stall EOI form can be found here
Culture Mix is presented by Wollongong City Council and made possible thanks to a grant via the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Major Festivals Grants Program.
