Artists, musicians and chefs representing more than 57 cultures are gathering in Sydney's inner west this week for Open Marrickville, a free, ten-day, annual festival.
Running until June 26, the celebration fills galleries, halls, community spaces and streets. At Chrissie Cotter Gallery, artworks by refugees from diverse backgrounds are on show for New Beginnings: Refugee Arts and Culture Festival Exhibition, while Greek kitchens and gardens are being explored through images and cooking demos in The Community Kouzina, curated by Eleni Christou. On Thursday, June 23, catch Faraway… So Close to Homeland, a documentary telling the stories of ten Syrian refugees.
Also on the busy program are several mini festivals-within-the-festival, including Pachamama, covering all things Latin American and Balkan Bonanza, featuring food, music and dance from Greece, Croatia, Macedonia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia.
And, for a free lunch (yep, there's such a thing), head to the Festival of the Olive, happening at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Nicholas on June 23 from 9.30am.