The Minns Labor Government is supporting emerging First Nations artists, creating new opportunities, and bring Aboriginal stories to audiences from around the world through Vivid Sydney.
The new Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator will connect emerging First Nations artists with motion graphic design studios, providing professional development, industry connections and opportunities to showcase their work at the world’s largest festival of light, food, and culture.
A first for Vivid Sydney, the program will establish pathways for First Nations artists to participate in the festival in 2027 and beyond.
The initiative honours the legacy of the late Rhoda Roberts AO, a pioneering creative leader and passionate advocate for First Nations culture and storytelling.
As Vivid Sydney’s inaugural First Nations Advisor, Ms Roberts played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s First Nations programming and bringing Aboriginal stories to audiences around the world.
The NSW Government is investing $600,000 in the initiative to support emerging First Nations artists and create more opportunities for First Nations creatives across NSW.
The investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to growing First Nations tourism, supporting Aboriginal businesses, and creating more opportunities for First Nations creatives across NSW, including $400,000 through Create NSW to support the development of Aboriginal cultural arts tourism experiences.
It also builds on another successful year for Vivid Sydney, which brought visitors into the city, supported local businesses and helped activate Sydney after dark.
Vivid Sydney 2026 featured a refreshed creative program spanning Light, Music, Minds and Food, with new artistic experiences, Vivid Fire Kitchen at Barangaroo Reserve and a continuous 6.5-kilometre stretch of free public art connecting Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour.
Vivid Sydney will return from Friday 28 May to Saturday 19 June 2027, bringing another program of light, music, ideas and food to the Harbour City.
Expressions of Interest to participate in the First Nations Light Accelerator are now open at https://awesomeblack.studio/post/vivid-first-nations-light-accelerator-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:
“The Minns Labor Government is backing the next generation of First Nations creatives, ensuring their stories, culture and creativity continue to be celebrated at one of the world’s leading cultural festivals, while honouring the legacy of Rhoda Roberts AO.”
“Vivid Sydney is a global showcase for creativity, and our First Nations artists deserve the opportunity to be part of it.
“By backing our artists, we’re celebrating our culture, creating opportunities and ensuring First Nations stories continue to shine on the world stage.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:
“I am proud the Minns Labor Government is supporting the next generation of First Nations artists through the Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator.
“Aboriginal culture is what makes our country truly unique and by supporting emerging First Nations artist we can continue to strengthen First Nations tourism in NSW.”
Quote attributable to Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO:
“The new Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator will build on Rhoda Roberts’ extraordinary legacy and strengthen pathways for emerging First Nations artists and creatives to participate and lead across the program in future years.
“We look forward to shining an even brighter spotlight on First Nations perspectives at Vivid Sydney over the next three years.”
Quote attributable to Vivid Sydney First Nations Advisor Travis De Vries:
“It’s exciting to be supporting the growth of First Nations creativity for the future of the festival, building real creative pathways and actionable outcomes between emerging First Nations artists and Vivid Sydney.
“I am honoured and very proud to continue Aunty Rhoda’s legacy in this way.”
