“Connected by the Sea” Grant Supports AWBF 2027 International Maritime Program

The AWBF has been awarded $100,000 through the 2025–26 grants round of the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations to deliver a major maritime heritage initiative at AWBF 2027.

The grants were announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong as part of a national program supporting cooperation and engagement between Australia and China.

The funding will support Connected by the Sea, a curated series of conversations, workshops and performances exploring maritime traditions from Australia and across the Chinese cultural community.

Presented during AWBF 2027, the initiative will bring maritime scholars, historians, craftspeople, boatbuilders and artists together on Hobart’s waterfront. Among the invited speakers is British bluewater sailor Pete Hill, internationally recognised for more than five decades of ocean voyaging aboard his self-designed junk-rigged catamaran China Moon.

Across the four days, audiences will experience expert talks and panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations and collaborative performances grounded in shared seafaring histories.

AWBF General Manager and Festival Director Paul Stephanus said the project reflects the Festival’s commitment to celebrating living maritime traditions across cultures.

“Seafaring cultures have always exchanged knowledge — about navigation, boatbuilding, materials and trade. Connected by the Sea invites audiences to experience those traditions side by side and explore the skills and stories that continue to shape our region.”

The program will examine traditional and contemporary boat design, trade routes, navigation practices and storytelling connected to life at sea, while highlighting the contribution of Chinese-Australian communities to Australia’s maritime heritage.