Embolden
Embolden is Australia's only National Festival (Congress, Symposium, Art based event) dedicated to combating ageism and building respect for older people. Established in 2018, our aim is to build the capacity and confidence of service providers, policy makers, community leaders, older people and everyone who works with or for older people, to accelerate the pace of change. For information on past events, see the Embolden Festival webpage here.
Embolden 2025
The Embolden Congress and Symposium will be hosted on-line in 2025 to enable wide participation. To further promote accessibility, registration will be free - with the option for participants to contribute if they are able to. The exhibitions and art-based activities will be hosted in locations around Australia. Click on the links below for information on partnerships - registration, program and presenter information coming soon.
Same, Same - But Different
Exploring Ageism at The Intersections
The #Embolden2025 Festival explores ageism across generations and the intersections of power and privilege. We propose the 'one size fits all' approach to combating ageism has limited efficacy - because ageism is experienced differently across generations, genders, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, ability, geography and financial status.
We need to understand the places where ageism and other forms of marginalisation meet; and we need tp recognise differences and build awareness of commonalities. To achieve this we will explore how:
We need to understand the places where ageism and other forms of marginalisation meet; and we need tp recognise differences and build awareness of commonalities. To achieve this we will explore how:
- gerontism differs from youthism
- ageism differs across generations of older people
- ageism is experienced by marginalised groups of older people
- to balance a focus on differences and commonalities
Program
The #Embolden2025 Festival includes The Congress of Older People’s Voices from The Margins, a Symposium and Exhibitions.
Congress
Symposium
Community Kindness Pop Up
Catwalk Karaoke
Congress
- Date/time: Wednesday 1st October, 1.00 - 4.00pm
- Location: online
- Details: The Congress of Older People’s Voices from The Margins creates opportunities to hear from older people from marginalised groups, to build better understandings of ageism, marginalisation and strategies for change.
Symposium
- Date/time: Thursday 2nd October
- Location: 1-4pm
- Details: The Symposium proposes that while ageism is experienced across the lifespan, the root causes, manifestations and impacts differ with age – as must the strategies for change. To achieve this shift, gerontism is presented as a form of ageism, alongside existing forms such as youthism. We propose gerontism as more nuanced and exact use of language that can enhance the effectiveness of policy and practice to combat the ageism experienced by older people.
Community Kindness Pop Up
- Date: tbc
- Location: Daylesford Tbc
- Details: an interactive exhibition highlighting the power of communities to support each other to promote body positivity and support for people living with dementia.
Catwalk Karaoke
- Date: 25th October
- Location: Melbourne tbc
- Details: we are pleased to announce the return of our Catwalks Against Ageism - an afternoon of fashion and fun, celebrating older models
Registration
Registration for the Congress and Symposium is through Humantix. Registration is free, or you are invited to pay a registration fee if you can afford it (suggested amount $20-$50). There is one registration - but you need to choose whether you are attending one event or both. A separate zoom link will be sent for Congress and for the Symposium. Registration link (coming soon)
Past Festivals
Please go to the Embolden webpage (here) to read about the previous festivals or click the links below for:
Evaluation
Embolden was launched in 2018 (here) with an event at the St Kilda Town Hall - repeated the following year (here). We returned in 2023, after a Covid enforced break, with an event in rural Victoria. Since then we have moved online to ensure our events are as accessible - with a shift from 450 people at live events to over 900 online.
Our events attract a mix of delegates, mostly service providers (60%), community leaders and older people. Evaluation of the event has consistently shown scores of 6+ out of 7 for usefulness, relevance, new learning and practical application.
Our events attract a mix of delegates, mostly service providers (60%), community leaders and older people. Evaluation of the event has consistently shown scores of 6+ out of 7 for usefulness, relevance, new learning and practical application.
Previous partners
We are grateful to all the organisations and services who supported our past events. This includes 2023: Thankyou to Elder Rights Advocacy, our Principal Partner. Other partners include the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Older Person's Advocacy Network (OPAN), Australian Association of Gerontology, ADA Australia, The Older Women's Network NSW, QueerSpace Drummond St and Council on the Ageing. 2019: Thankyou to our primary sponsor: The Department of Health, and other partners: the City of Port Phillip's Older Persons Consultative Committee, the National LGBTI Health Alliance's Silver Rainbow LGBTI Inclusive Ageing and Aged Care, the Victorian Government through their Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, Older Person's Advocacy Network, Elder Rights Advocacy, Elder Abuse Action Australia, and Communities of Respect. 2018: including The City of Port Phillip, Alfred Health and Caulfield Health; The City of Ballarat; The Care Page; The National LGBTI Health Alliance; Hammond Care Dementia Centre; Seniors Rights Service; Switchboard Victoria; The Ageing Revolution; Aged Care Matters; Better Place Australia; Meaningful Ageing; Bayside City Council; Glen Eira City Council; Knox City Council; and COTA Victoria.
Contact us
Please contact curator Dr Catherine Barrett on 0429 582 237 or email: [email protected]
Embolden Partners
coming soon
