Across My Bridge

“The “Across My Bridge” project was conceived and initiated by Saeed Khan in 2006. Saeed initiated the approach to Beyond Empathy and brokered the relationship with the lead funding body: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship”.

Across My Bridge is an innovative and responsive project to provide secular means of engagement for disaffected youth using various forms of arts. Funded by the Australian Government via the National Action Plan Community Projects, Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Westpac Foundation, Across My Bridge aims to provide young people with a ‘stepping stone into the mainstream’ by presenting opportunities to share stories that connect people using an arts-based approach (such as visual art, sculpture, music, hip-hop, circus, dance, performance, filmmaking and digital media) to build empathy and tolerance.

Delivered by the national arts based organisation Beyond Empathy (http://www.beyondempathy.org.au/) in partnership with local Islamic Communities, local councils, agencies, Across My Bridge utilises a secular, integrated approach and targets at-risk youth who as a result of their isolation do not access existing services. The project introduces alternative approaches to encourage participants to be able to, in time, recognise their unique place in Australian society.

‘Across My Bridge’ is being delivered in the City of Sydney, Auburn, Canterbury and Marrickville Local Government Areas.

Across My Bridge builds relationships between young people, arts workers (acting as mentors), support agency staff (e.g. youth services, school, TAFE, AOD support) and the community, to work together to address common social issues. Current local partnerships are Riverwood Community Centre, Belmore Youth Centre, Marrickville High School and Auburn Youth Centre.

For further information contact Beyond Empathy Program Manager Monique B Kalmar on: 0423 134 920 or email monique.kalmar@beyondempathy.org.au