Introducing ICE
Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) is a dynamic community, cultural, information technology and arts organisation working across the Greater Western Sydney region in New South Wales, Australia.
ICE manages SWITCH, Western Sydney’s state-of-the-art multimedia and digital arts access centre. ICE produces the critical publication and online resource Artfiles, the Arts Directory for Western Sydney. ICE has expertise and success in developing new media, Community Cultural Development, professional development and arts programs that access thousands of individuals, artists and communities annually. ICE also works with community groups, governments and local infrastructures such as libraries on innovative programs aimed at broadening community access and capacity in information and communications technology (ICT) in order to bridge the digital divide.
ICE is known and respected for its expertise in community cultural development, information and communications technology and new media arts, and its strong partnerships across sectors. Our successful track record is identified through our work with culturally diverse communities, youth, and relationships with organisations and artists. The work of ICE is supported by migrant and community agencies, artists, State, Federal and local government, businesses, private sponsors, charities and foundations.
ICE has grown rapidly in recent years. This growth has occurred mainly in response to the increasing demands and expectations of Western Sydney communities for creative opportunities and cultural expression, information, ICT access and support. With limited resources, ICE has built momentum from successful programs and projects that sought to deliver new, creative ways to meet these needs.
Purpose
ICE exists to support Western Sydney communities, organisations and artists to engage with arts, information and communications technologies, new media arts and culture in order to build community resilience, autonomy and infrastructure and to enhance quality of life and well-being.
ICE works creatively with Western Sydney’s diverse communities at the convergence of arts, culture information and technology:
- Building capacity
- New enterprise
- Positive impact
- Intercultural dialogue
ICE produces high quality innovative and creative digital arts and technology training enterprises, programs and products with Western Sydney artists, groups and communities.
ICE supports creative learning communities. ICE is an innovation hub where arts, culture and creative technology converge in unique programs for communities and artists to develop professional skills and creative thinking.