A report on a project to develop an intergenerational arts program for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in South Australia. The project focuses on enhancing services within neighbourhood and community houses and centres to support older CALD individuals experiencing social isolation and related mental health challenges. The research aims to lay the foundation for co-designing an intergenerational arts initiative for CALD communities. 

The report details the twelve-month project’s methodology, analyses key findings and provides recommendations for future actions. The key question was: What are the existing gaps, strengths and weaknesses of intergenerational arts programs for CALD communities? Findings centred around organisational priorities and incidental inclusion. 

Findings

• Cultural organisations work on access strategies and communications to culturally diverse groups to provide support, services and activities. Intergenerational practice is often incidental and made possible through family connections.
• Councils observed their programs reflect the diversity of residents. Targeted outreach is directed toward specific age groups and isolated individuals rather than cultural groups, therefore cultural diversity is incidental.
• The councils who have implemented Intergenerational programs have been highly influenced by the ABC documentaries: Old Peoples Home for Four Year Olds and Old Peoples Home for Teenagers.