Potluck ARI

Founded by artists Grace Almansour, Ilana Lapid and Narelle Odeh, they are dedicated to creating a collaborative environment for diverse and underrepresented voices, fostering a community that values intergenerational and multicultural perspectives. Their initiative will embrace the ideas and voices that reflect our community as they understand the strengths and the challenges of being a creative in Western Sydney.

Grace Almansour is a member of Utp Rising, a 4-year mentorship program for young, emerging artists.

INAUGURAL EXHIBITION – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN

About the exhibition

Curated by Potluck ARI, 'To the table' is a week-long exhibition in November 2025, coinciding with Another World festival by Utp. There will be a focus on themes of sharing, community, and coming together.

This exhibition will be the launch of Potluck ARI. We dream of holding more exhibitions, workshops and public programming to help build up the soil of Western Sydney’s arts ecosystem to allow for more grassroots developments.

We're looking for

Artists and artworks exploring ideas of community, (knowledge/ cultural/ experiential) sharing and coming together.

The callout is completely open to anyone, but preference will be given to Western Sydney artists. Old and new works of any form and discipline are welcome!

APPLY HERE by filling out this form

Potluck’s first exhibition is supported by Utp and Bankstown Arts Centre. Artists will receive a $500 fee for their participation in PotLuck ARI's inaugural exhibition. 

Please reach out to the Potluck team if you have any questions or need assistance with the form.

Email: [email protected] 

Key dates: 

Submission deadline: Thursday 24 July

Artwork installation: 12 - 14 November

Exhibition dates: 15 - 22 November

Successful applications will be notified in August.

MORE ABOUT POTLUCK ARI

Potluck ARI's founding team met whilst studying Fine Arts at UNSW. The three of them connected through a love of food, politics, thrifting and antiques and the struggle of commuting to university from various parts of Western Sydney. After many passionate conversations in-between classes, they came to the conclusion that there was a need for more accessible art opportunities and spaces out West of the CBD. That was when Potluck ARI (artist-run initiative) came to life.

FOUNDING TEAM – ARTIST BIOS

Narrelle Odeh is a Palestinian artist with a BA of Fine Arts/Arts. Her art practice is located within the disciplines of painting and drawing, but often expands into a diverse blend of mediums as she explores symbolism, language and heritage. She is interested in storytelling through a cultural and political lens as influenced by the individual and collective Palestinian identity.

Grace Almansour is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract works exploring human experiences and emotions. Born in Syria, Grace studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the UNSW. Her art practice focuses on the concept of the work that mostly speaks to the complexities of being a refugee. She highlights how conflicts shape us while also leaving trauma.

Based in Dharug country, Ilana Lapid is a first-generation Filipino Australian, born and raised in Penrith. She graduated from UNSW with a BS/BFA. Her practice seeks to challenge the perception of value in objects through processes of destruction and reconstruction. She enjoys working with found objects and textiles and has a foundation in painting and drawing.

PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and the Neilson Foundation.