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About CAN

With its roots planted firmly in the social activism of the 1960s and the early international community arts movement, contemporary CAN continues to unlock Western Australia’s untold stories through community participation in art.

Giving voice to the hidden histories of this land and all of its people, stories and art in all its forms are shared to create positive social change, building inclusion and understanding between people.

Knowing that art transforms communities, CAN has pursued this purpose for 35 years, building relationships that create opportunities for people to determine for themselves what stories best express the diversity of experience, aspiration and imagination alive in Western Australians.

Across its history, CAN’s delivery and partnerships have adapted to the aspirations of its communities and the opportunities of the time with a nimbleness that keeps it relevant and vital, but the lifeblood of the organisation remains its values, which have informed more than 35 years of practice.

Strategic Framework

PURPOSE

To create positive social change through the arts, building inclusion and understanding between people.

VALUES

First Peoples, First

All our work is underpinned by this principle. CAN supports the ULURU Statement from the Heart. Self-determination is at the heart of CAN’s work with all communities.

Respect

We believe in the inherent worth of all people and their right to be treated with dignity and honour.

Social Equity

We believe that creative expression should be accessible to all, as a vital part of being human.

Creativity

We use all forms of artistic and creative expression to inspire the sharing of stories and culture.

STRATEGIES

Arts Production

We make outstanding art with communities that tells their stories and shares their lived experience.

Community Development

In the process of making and presenting this art we build people’s capacity and strengthen communities.

Sector Development

We build sector knowledge, capacity and influence.

Organisational Sustainability

We are transforming our organisation to reflect and service our diverse community.

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Nguluk Kaartadjin Wongi

Nguluk Kaartadjin Wongi: First People's First Plan

CAN embeds Aboriginal wisdom in its governance structures and documenting working methods that underpin self determination for ATSI communities in CAN projects.

Nguluk Kaartadjin Wongi commits CAN to specific actions that enhance self-determination for ATSI communities and expand opportunities for ATSI people to influence engagement and dialogue with the broader arts sector in Western Australia, through CAN.

The Noongar title Nguluk (our) Kaartadjin (Knowledge) Wongi (Talk/speak) reflects the origin of our work on Noongar Boodja under the guidance of many Noongar people who have influenced CAN, and to whom we offer our thanks.

Read the plan here.

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Board

CAN is governed by a Board of Directors who are leaders in their industries and bring diverse academic, social and career backgrounds and experiences to the Board table. Our Directors are responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of CAN and are charged with policy development, risk management and overall accountability.

Aboriginal Advisory Group

The Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) was established in December 2018 to provide cultural advice and counsel to CAN and to offer specific advice and support to CAN’s artists and artsworkers creating projects with ATSl communities. Membership of the AAG is open to all ATSI people and is chaired by CAN’s Cultural Advisor, Noongar Elder Geri Hayden.

CAN Team

The CAN team is a highly diverse, talented and experienced group of professionals - from operations and program personnel to skilled artists and arts workers. CAN’s collaborative approach and its remote employment opportunities have enabled it to attract a broad range of individuals, from those starting out in their career to those with years of industry experience.

Annual Reports

Work Opportunities

When we have opportunities for employment in the core team or contracts within the project team, we will advertise them here and on social media.

Current Positions

Sorry, there are currently no open career positions. Please check back soon.

CAN Perth Head Office

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

PO Box 7514 Cloisters Square WA 6850

King Street Arts Centre
Ground Floor 357-365 Murray St
Perth WA 6000

08 9226 2422

admin@can.org.au

ABN: 72106364407

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