Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q. What is CCDNSW?
  
• Q. What is Community Cultural Development? Why not Community Arts?
  
• Q. What does CCDNSW actually do?
  
• Q. What is the National CCD Network?
  
• Q. Is CCDNSW a government organisation/department?
  
• Q. Can I get funding from CCDNSW?
  
• Q. Who does CCDNSW service?
  
• Q. What areas does CCDNSW cover?
  
• Q. What programmes does CCDNSW run?
  
• Q. How do I get training in CCD?
  
• Q. Is CCDNSW a membership based organisation?
  
• Q. Where is CCDNSW? Can I come and visit?
  

What is CCDNSW?

CCDNSW: Community Cultural Development New South Wales.

CCDNSW is the peak body for advocacy, brokerage, networking, facilitation and training in community cultural development practice in NSW.

CCDNSW aims to foster the development of NSW communities through participation in cultural activity, and encourage the addressing of social issues through the arts.

What is Community Cultural Development? Why not Community Arts?

Community Cultural Development (CCD) describes a process of working with communities to develop capacities through cultural and artistic engagement.

Across the globe communities and artists work together creatively using the practice of CCD to explore and express people's views on important issues - while helping them to pick up new skills along the way.

Unlike community arts, CCD is more developmental in its aims, and focusses on empowering the community. On a CCD project the artist's role is to facilitate and empower the community, it's not to realise their own artistic vision.

CCD is a collaboration between artists and communities to creatively address issues affecting communities.

See our Background Papers section for further information.

What does CCDNSW actually do?

CCDNSW is interested in community based arts activities which ensure vibrant community culture through real community control and direction of activities. This means a focus on cultural projects that have tangible social and community development outcomes in addition to artistic outcomes.

CCDNSW actively promotes and develops ccd activity in Western Sydney through our Indigenous, Youth, and Cultural Diversity Programs.

We provide free information and referral services, helping communities and organisations find appropriate artists and organisations to work with. We provide assistance in identifying funding sources and preparing applications.

We can also assist organisations and communities through facilitation, consultancy, and project management. CCDNSW also runs a nationally accredited Diploma in ccd (online), as well as running various free workshops on topics related to ccd practice.

What is the National CCD Network?

The National Network comprises Community Arts Network South Australia, Queensland Community Arts Network, Community Arts Network West Australia and CCDNSW, plus some affiliate members. The National Network is the peak body for Community Cultural Development in Australia.

Is CCDNSW a government organisation/department?

No. CCDNSW is a not-for-profit, community-oriented public company, consisting of a Board.

CCDNSW receives funding or sponsorship from:

• NSW Ministry for the Arts
• Australia Council for the Arts
• Sydney Olympic Park Authority (sponsorship)

We also receive other funding for specific projects.

Can I get funding from CCDNSW?

No. However you can call us for advice on finding relevant funding sources.

CCDNSW can assist you with all aspects of the application process: from writing applications and budgets, through to acquitting your project grants.

Anyone making a ccd-related funding application can contact us prior to the closing date or acquittal date. Our assistance is free, and has proven to be very effective, with over 80% of applications we have assisted being successful between 2002 and 2004.

Who does CCDNSW service?

Artists, cultural workers, government, community groups, interested organisations… basically anyone who is interested in communities and artists working together on cultural activities.

CCDNSW works to link artists with projects and communities, to promote the value of that work, and to ensure a high level of skill in the field.

What areas does CCDNSW cover?

CCDNSW provides services to members across NSW, and advocates on behalf of all ccd activity in NSW.

Our Programs focus on servicing ccd workers, communities and their cultural activities, predominantly throughout Western Sydney, however our activities also extend to the Lower Hunter, the Central Coast, and the Illawarra.

What programmes does CCDNSW run?

CCDNSW operates three key programmes. They are the Cultural Diversity Programme, the Youth Programme, and the Indigenous Programme.

These programmes are aimed at stimulating activity, providing resources, and networking in communities in the four regions identified above. Each Programme is delivered by a dedicated manager.

How do I get training in CCD?

CCDNSW is a registered training organisation, under the AQTF.

CCDNSW offers a unique Austudy approved Diploma course in ccd, offered online. CCDNSW also runs unaccredited training workshops.

For further information on training and workshops contact CCDNSW.

Is CCDNSW a membership based organisation?

No, CCDNSW has no membership. The majority of CCDNSW's services are free.

Where is CCDNSW? Can I come and visit?

The CCDNSW office is located at 91 Canal Road, Lilyfield. Canal Road runs off Lilyfield Road.

Our general office hours are 9.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

People are more than welcome to visit us, however please make an appointment to ensure that the person you want to see is available.

You can call us on 9518 3811 or email us: info@ccdnsw.org