since 2005, be has partnered with communities living under pressure to create high-calibre artistic projects which explore creativity, culture and lived experience through stories.
be listens and amplifies these stories to national audiences enabling action beyond empathy.
art, influence,change
art
We know that creative expression is a human right. We believe communities that are often considered disadvantaged have stories worth listening to and culture worth sharing.
Our projects are led by the community, strengths based and exhibited on national platforms.
influence
We create partnerships between established artists and local communities to share their stories through high-calibre multi-arts projects.
We adopt a 'whole of community' approach; led by young emerging leaders and First Nations Elders, we collaborate with families, teachers, support services, grandparents and children.
Everyone is involved at every level to create relevant, influential work
change
We know that creative activity drives social change.
Our artistic projects tackle complex social issues while our cultural development process improves socio-economic outcomes for the people involved and the audience that listens. Our participants learn skills, build resilience and develop their leadership.
Working with individuals we provide mentoring, support and employment pathways. Working together we build art that changes the audience and the future.
our
story
Beyond Empathy was founded in 2004 by long time collaborators Phillip Crawford and Kim McConville. Since then, BE has worked in urban and suburban, regional and remote communities across Australia.
BE is an award winning arts company with a proven record of delivering a variety of culturally ambitious and socially relevant art works.
We're proud of our catalogue of creative projects including internationally award winning feature films Rites of Passage and Protection created by young people in public housing communities in NSW; and nationally recognised Sea of Bellies perinatal arts program designed by First Nations mothers as they connect to Country, Culture and their Elders.
BE has delivered projects, led by communities, throughout Australia for nearly 20 years.
After 17 years at the helm, Kim and Phil made the unprecedented decision to entrust BE's future to the emerging leaders they'd mentored; participants who are now Beyond Empathy staff. Our Theory of Change framework is now integrated throughout our internal governance structure mirroring our projects on the ground.