Hearts and minds unite to support artists from First Nations and culturally diverse communities | Sandra Morales
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti AC, sponsored by Powerhouse
It’s 7 am. Sandra’s day starts with meditation practice. Sometimes it’s pilates. Sometimes it’s dance. But the focus is always about being centred.
It’s soon 8 am and Sandra moves on to her other passion – Heartdancers – the arts organisation she founded.
“I’m so proud of the work we do,” Sandra says.
“We’re the only organisation in the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle areas that solely focuses on collaborating with artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.”
There’s no typical day at Heartdancers. Meeting with artists, collaborating on festivals and events, and negotiating funding are all part of Sandra and her small team’s role.
Since being founded in 2014, Heartdancers has generated over $800,000 in income and development opportunities for more than 300 artists.
“Being a dancer since I was young instilled in me the transformative power of the arts, so this felt like a natural calling,” Sandra explains.
“I grew up in Colombia around a mix of cultures, Indigenous, African and Spanish. I’ve seen first-hand how culture and creativity can build bridges and heal wounds.”
Heartdancers has three flagship programs.
Artistry on Wheels is a mobile pop-up stage that brings artists directly to audiences. Through the Cultural Agency, Sandra and the team design, deliver, and curate festivals and events to showcase the talented creatives. There’s an outreach program, Rhythm is Life. It brings creative activities like dance to older people in First Nations and culturally diverse communities.
“The work is deeply personal to me. And in many ways it’s about justice,” Sandra says.
“We’re not just showcasing the work of these talented artists. We’re creating platforms where cultural heritage gets the respect it deserves.”
Last year, Heartdancers partnered with the NRL to curate the 2024 NRL & NRLW Grand Final show, for the opening of the 2024 Pacific Championships.
“We brought together 81 artists, dancers and musicians from seven Pacific nations, and they performed in front of 85,000 people.”
The performance integrated contemporary elements alongside traditional practices, showcasing the richness of Pacific cultures.
Sandra emphasises that bigger audiences aren’t necessarily better for the artist.
“The opportunities we develop need to be safe spaces where creativity can thrive,” she adds.
In 2023, Heartdancers curated a series of festivals and events that celebrated the contributions of LGBTIQ+ artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
“Making a living as an artist is hard enough, but if your act isn’t mainstream, it’s especially difficult,” Sandra says.
“One of the artists we collaborate with, Alicia Clownzales, is one of the only clowns I know of from a culturally diverse background.”
Born in Australia to Uruguayan parents, Alicia Clownzales – real name Alicia Gonzales – initially found it hard to find her place within the arts community on the Central Coast.
“Being an artist from a culturally diverse background in regional Australia teaches you about isolation,” Alicia says.
“Then I found Heartdancers and I collaborate now. We’re building something authentic on the Coast, something that transforms.”
What’s next for Heartdancers? Sandra and team are currently in talks to produce a culturally diverse arts event on the Central Coast. It’ll be a fitting platform to elevate the creativity they’ve nurtured over the last 10 years.
“This work is my life’s purpose – and I’ll keep doing all I can in creating an environment where all arts and culture are valued,” Sandra says with a smile.
For her inspiring work, Sandra Morales was awarded Multicultural NSW’s 2025 Arts and Culture Medal.
