Inspiring a Generation: The Rise of Elevated Culture in Our Schools

Elevated Culture 2024 Highlight Reel

At a time when many young people are searching for belonging, identity, and purpose, Elevated Culture Foundation was born out of a simple but powerful vision — to inspire a generation through the beauty of cultural connection.

What began as a heartfelt response to the lack of visible cultural engagement in Western Sydney’s schools has quickly become a powerful movement. In just a few years, Elevated Culture has grown into a vibrant charity dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening school communities, and celebrating the rich tapestry of Pasifika, Aboriginal, and multicultural heritages in Australia.

Today, we are proud to reflect on how far we’ve come — and excited to share where we are heading.

Bridging the Gap: Why Elevated Culture Matters

Western Sydney is one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia. Yet for many years, students from Pasifika, Aboriginal, and multicultural backgrounds often found few opportunities to see their identities celebrated within the school environment.

Elevated Culture Foundation was created to change that.

Inspired by New Zealand’s world-renowned Polyfest, we set out to establish an initiative that didn’t just run a festival — but wove culture, education, and community together into something far more lasting.Through storytelling, dance, music, workshops, and mentorship, Elevated Culture creates spaces where students can proudly stand in who they are, celebrate their roots, and invite others to journey with them.

Our vision is clear: Every young person deserves to know their culture is not just welcomed, but celebrated.

A Movement Born in Our Schools

The heart of Elevated Culture beats strongest in our schools.

Since 2023, we have worked alongside over 30 primary and high schools, offering professional learning workshops for educators, after-school programs for students, and pathways for schools to showcase their diverse talents on the big stage.

The Elevated Culture Festival, now in its second year, has become a centerpiece of our work — a day where over 10,000 attendees come together to witness 1,000 students perform dances, songs, and storytelling pieces that reflect the pride of their ancestry and the dreams of their future.

What makes the festival unique isn’t just the performances — it’s the community. Families, educators, local businesses, and community services all unite around the common goal of uplifting young people, building bridges, and celebrating diversity.

It’s a living reminder that culture isn’t just something you inherit — it’s something you live, nurture, and pass on with pride.

Elevating the Future: More Than a Festival

The festival is only the beginning.

Elevated Culture has expanded to now include:

• Elevated Culture Academy: An after-school performance and leadership program, where students continue to develop their talents and strengthen friendships across schools.

• Pasifika Cultural Programs in Schools: Semester-based programs helping students explore their Pasifika heritage through dance, music, and storytelling — and involving families in the process.

• Two Major Festivals in 2025: With Elevated Culture Festivals confirmed for both Liverpool and Blacktown, we are growing to reach even more students and families across Western Sydney.

Each initiative is designed with a singular mission: to champion identity, belonging, creativity, and leadership among our young people.

We believe that when students are connected to their culture, they grow in confidence, resilience, and community spirit — qualities that will empower them not just in school, but in life.

Thank You for Believing in the Vision

Elevated Culture Foundation would not be where it is today without the unwavering support of our community.From our incredible school partners and volunteers to our sponsors and families, every supporter has played a vital role in building something truly transformative.

Your belief in our young people is what fuels us. Your faith in the power of culture is what sustains this movement.

As we look to the future, we invite you to continue this journey with us — whether by attending our events, volunteering, partnering with us, or simply sharing our story with others who share the same heart for community.

Together, we are not just hosting events.We are inspiring a generation.

We are Elevated Culture.