ACAR’s Chair, Dr Geoff Raby AO, brings decades of diplomatic, cultural, and academic expertise to ACAR.

Together with our strong Advisory Committee, our leadership ensures ACAR maintains the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and global engagement.

Building Bridges Through Art

ACAR is the culmination of over a decade of pioneering work in cultural exchange. Our history reflects a steady evolution from early artist exchanges to the establishment of a globally recognized platform for collaboration, residencies, and awards.

Foundation & Heritage

Our journey began with the TWT Art Residency Program, which created the first pathways for Chinese artists to live and work across cultures. These residencies demonstrated the power of artistic exchange, allowing artists to immerse themselves in new traditions, communities, and landscapes.

In parallel, the Bridging Hope Charity Foundation expanded cultural engagement by supporting innovative projects that connected communities through art and philanthropy. Together, these initiatives laid the foundation for what would become ACAR.

Evolution & Growth

By 2024, the need for a dedicated organization to carry this work forward was clear. ACAR was registered as an independent charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, ensuring that artist support could grow in scale, ambition, and global recognition.

In 2025, ACAR launched the ACAR Art Prize. With a total prize pool of AUD$115,000, the Prize celebrates and encourages art that embodies the spirit of Australia-China cultural exchange

Over the past decade, our programs have:

• Supported dozens of artists from both nations with transformative residencies

• Built a network of galleries, institutions, and cultural partners across two continents

• Created lasting professional relationships that continue to generate collaborative projects

• Contributed to deeper diplomatic and cultural understanding between Australia and China

ACAR’s history is one of organic growth and long-term vision. Guided by leaders such as Dr Geoff Raby AO and supported by world-class institutions including National Art School (NAS) and Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), ACAR is uniquely positioned to shape the future of cross-cultural artistic exchange.

Our belief remains simple but powerful: art creates bridges where words cannot.