Lithgow Street Art Walk map held in front of Michael Bourke’s mural ‘Do you see what I see?’ Photo: Ann Niddrie

Research Spotlight

 

The Lithgow Street Art Walk is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, transforming the town’s main street into an open-air gallery. With over 20 artworks; bronze sculptures, large-scale murals, and a hidden laneway of painted tiles, it offers a unique way to experience Lithgow’s cultural vibrancy. At the heart of this initiative is the Lithgow Transformation Hub, a space dedicated to bringing together community, education, business, and government to drive positive change. In partnership with Lithgow Tidy Towns, Lithgow City Council, and Gang Gang Gallery, the Hub has helped revitalize public spaces while supporting local artists. More than an art trail, the project embodies the Hub’s commitment to fostering a connected, creative, and thriving future for Lithgow. Find more

News

Climate change and the housing crisis are a dangerous mix. So which party is grappling with both?
Australia is running out of affordable, safe places to live. Rents and mortgages are climbing faster than wages, and young people fear they may never own a home. At the same time, climate change is getting worse. Last year was Australia’s second‑hottest on record. Global warming is leading to more frequent and severe bushfires, floods and heatwaves.
‘A shameful call by Creative Australia’: the arts community reacts to Khaled Sabsabi being dropped from the Venice Biennale
To be selected as the artist and curator team to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale is considered the ultimate exhibition for an artistic team. To have your selection rescinded, as has now happened to the 2026 team of Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino, is without precedent.
Inclusivity is the Key to Success
Social enterprises are an important tool in humanitarian and development policy. However, western-centric thinking and an overemphasis on management tools and business strategies can hamper their effectiveness, warns Dr Isaac Lyne, a research fellow at Western Sydney University’s Institute for Culture and Society.
ICS Celebrates Exceptional Success in ARC’s Discovery Projects Scheme for 2025
In a remarkable achievement, Institute researchers have secured over $3.3 million in funding for three ICS based projects in the ARC’s Discovery Projects (DP) scheme for 2025. This exceptional outcome comes with a sense of additional joy as all submitted applications were awarded.
Better Futures Now: Leisure, Health and Wellbeing: a talk by Emeritus Professor David Rowe
This paper is based on a talk at Western Sydney University Research Week, Better Futures Now: Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, Parramatta City Campus, 15 July 2024.From Devil’s Hands to Healthy Minds and Bodies: A Social Scientific History of the Concept of Leisure.

Highlights

Audience at the Mapping the Humanities event.
ICS Seminar Series
The ICS Seminar Series presents an exciting breadth of social and cultural research from the Institute’s renowned staff and doctoral candidates as well as a range of national and international visiting scholars.
Future Makers 7 Thumbnail
ICS researchers in Future-Makers Issue 7
We are excited to share the release of the latest issue of Future-Makers! Some of our fabulous Institute researchers have again been featured in this issue: Karen Soldatić and Corrinne Sullivan’s inspiring collaboration.
HDR Director Malini Sur Portrait
Key Thinkers & Concepts Lecture Series Videos
New 2024 lectures have been added on the topic of Community check them out now.
Researchers
The Institute for Culture and Society, incorporating the Young and Resilient Research Centre and the Urban Transformations Research Centre, is made up of a cohort of researchers on staff and a number of Western Sydney University School-based members.