Sydney Festival

We're celebrating Blak Out brilliance, as we announce Jacob Nash’s final Festival and a new era for Indigenous leadership at Sydney Festival. Jacob Nash (Jake), a pivotal figure in Sydney Festival’s recent history, will curate his final Blak Out program in 2026, marking both his tenure and the Festival’s 50th anniversary. Reflecting on his journey, Jake shared, “It’s been an incredible privilege to serve as Creative Artist in Residence and curate the Blak Out program. As Sydney Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, it will also mark my last year.” Kris Nelson, Director, added, “Jake Nash is one of Australia’s finest. I’m thrilled to collaborate with him on this year’s festival as he delivers his final Blak Out program. His vision has been integral to the Festival, balancing ambition and sensitivity to ensure First Nations artists have led each edition.” Following Jake’s exceptional final program, Sydney Festival is creating a new role of Creative Producer – First Nations, ensuring First Nations leadership continues to thrive. “Sydney Festival is committed to putting First Nations artists first,” said Kris, “and I look forward to welcoming a new collaborator into this key creative leadership role.” The new role will shape the future of First Nations programming at Sydney Festival. Applications have just opened — offering a significant opportunity for a First Nations creative to lead and shape Sydney Festival’s direction. For the full story and more details about the Creative Producer – First Nations role, click here: https://lnkd.in/gMuaGDiy 📸 by Neil Bennet, Uncle Matty Doyle and Jake Nash at Sydney Festival Welcome 2025

We're thrilled to see the unveiling of the judging panel for the inaugural Jim Sharman Future Award by National Institute of Dramatic Art. We’re proud to have Festival Director Kris Nelson as part of this brilliant panel, alongside Sarah Christie, Professor Angie Abdilla, and Jason Phu. The Jim Sharman Future Award presents an exciting opportunity to support the next wave of creative talent across Australia and the Asia-Pacific

Epic role on the horizon. We're on the lookout for a Producer – Special Projects to help bring our annual Festival program to life. From large-scale outdoor events to pop-up precincts, you'll be at the heart of it all. You'll scope and plan large-sale projects, negotiate artist contracts, manage event logistics and budgets, and liaise with professionals right across the arts sector to create Festival magic. Skill summary: - Experience in performing arts, especially outdoor and large events. - Strong negotiation skills and financial acumen. - Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and handle crises effectively. - Excellent producing skills and an appreciation for diverse cultures. - Understanding of arts marketing and production requirements. - Strong national and international networks within the arts community. - Creative thinking, adaptability and empathy with artists. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gx2czHQc 📸 by Jacquie Manning of Vigil:Awaken (2023 Festival)

A heartfelt thank you, congratulations and farewell from the Sydney Festival team to Olivia Ansell as she finishes her inspiring tenure as Festival Director 2022-2025. ✨ Olivia's bold vision, creativity, boundless energy, commitment to artists and passion for Sydney stories have left an indelible mark on this city's cultural landscape. Here’s to new adventures in Toronto at the helm of Luminato Festival! Let's take a trip through some of the incredible highlights programmed by Olivia over the last few years... 💙 Olivia at Festival Opening Day '24 💙 THAW '22 💙 A Model Murder '25 💙 Olivia at Animal Opening Night '25 💙 Manifesto '23 💙 Anoushka Shankar '24 💙 Jenny Kee's The Aunties '23 💙 Wudjang: Not The Past '22 💙 Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden '25 💙 ROOM '23 💙 The Pulse '22 💙 (L-R) Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Festival Director Olivia Ansell and Māori artist Lisa Reihana standing in front of Reihana's installation, Te Wheke-a-Muturangi. 💙 Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon '23 💙 Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera '25 💙 Il Tabarro '24 💙 Telly Tuita's SS John Oxley at The Thirsty Mile '25 💙 Sun & Sea '23 💙 Olivia at Afrique en Cirque Opening Night '23 💙 Sara Baras: Alma '23 💙 Olivia and the Sydney Festival Team '25 Images by Wendell Teodoro, Martin Mischkulnig, Jacquie Manning, Neil Bennett and Daniel Boud. #SydneyFestival #Sydfest

To those who graciously gave their time in service of the arts, our community, and in the name of a great summer – we say thank you! We couldn't have done it without your dedication, energy and passion. 💛 Here's to the incredible impact of the vollies! See you next year for the big 5-0. #SydFest #SydneyFestival

We’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories, the connections and the powerful conversations shared during our Blak Out 2025 program. From deep yarns to unforgettable performances, we stood together on Country—honouring ancestors, celebrating queer identities and amplifying First Nations voices. The Vigil: Gunyah located on Barangaroo Reserve wasn’t just a place to gather—it became a space for truth, healing, and hope for what’s ahead. A huge thank you to every artist, storyteller and community member who've made this possible and we're looking forward to the years to come. #SydFest #SydneyFestival

Every year, we bring the Art of Summer to life in Sydney. And this wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work that happens behind the curtain. We’d like to give a big thanks to the team who have made our 2025 Festival brand bigger and bolder than ever – our partners at Re (part of M&C Saatchi Consulting). Re is an award-winning brand-led design and experience agency with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, London, New York, Stockholm and Dubai. They’ve been a Sydney Festival partner since 2021, where they worked closely with Festival Director Olivia Ansell to shape our redesigned brand. See what inspired our 2025 Festival design: https://ow.ly/wnn850UOkSU #SydneyFestival #SydFest

Last week the public artwork Ngabu was unveiled at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct 🐚 Created by Aunty Lola Ryan who comes from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse, Ngabu (Dharawal language for Nan / Grandmother) pays homage to the series of shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan.  The vibrant installation, featuring intricate shell patterns, celebrates the artist’s deep connection to Country and storytelling through cultural practices. The launch event was a moving tribute to First Nations heritage, starting with a powerful performance by the Gamay Dancers, followed by a Welcome to Country from Uncle Lloyd Walker. Attendees also heard from exhibition curator Dr. Michael Cohen from City People, with Aunty Lola herself sharing heartfelt reflections on the meaning of Ngabu to her and her family.    To conclude the event, attendees had the opportunity to walk across Aunty Lola’s bridge, marvelling at her intricate shell designs while taking in the iconic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Created as part of Sydney Festival, you can check out the interactive artwork at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct until 27 April 2025.  Learn more about Ngabu: https://lnkd.in/gCjqeFhS #CreateNSWSupported #WalshBayArtsPrecinct #PublicArt #Ngabu #ShellArt #FirstNationsArt #FirstNationsStories #ArtsAndCulture  

“Jacky is something incredibly special, and my strong recommendation is to book a ticket before you miss out.” – ArtsHub Running until 2 Feb so get your tickets before it closes https://ow.ly/9yP550UP6iS

City People worked with Aunty Lola Ryan to create a giant Dharawal shell art bridge set against the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ngabu was launched in Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Sydney Festival. It runs from 17 Jan - 27 Apr 2025. - - - Walsh Bay is home to some formative stories of Country and First Nations cultural history. From the dreamtime story of Buri-buri the whale; to the many artefacts found in vast middens nearby; through to the first contact story of Patyegarang and William Dawes. Prominent among these stories is the emergence of shell art practices in the nineteenth century. Aunty Lola Ryan hails from a lineage of esteemed Dharawal shell artists from La Perouse. She designed Ngabu (Dharawal language for Nan / Grandmother) in homage to shell harbour bridges created by her mother Lola Delia Ryan now in the collections of prominent cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art. With Ngabu, Aunty Lola takes shell art to a new dimension in a giant interactive installation mounted on top of the overhead bridge on Hickson Rd. Climb up and over the arch of this giant Dharawal shell art bridge while taking in the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Ngabu journey continues via an augmented reality treasure hunt around Walsh Bay. Find the shell icons around the foreshore and, with your smartphone, unlock audio and video animations that interpret stories relevant to Walsh Bay. - - - Ngabu Artist: Aunty Lola Ryan Designer: Joey Ruigrok van der Weven Fabricator: Pink Cactus Pty Ltd Curator / producer: City People AR design: EyeJack Year: 2025 Medium: public art installation and augmented reality walk 📍: Overhead bridge at corner of Hickson Rd & Pottinger St, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct,  Sydney NSW 2000, Gadigal Country 📸: Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport - - - #ngabu This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Community Improvement District Pilot Program and Uptown Grant Program.