Rapper and Indigenous social enterprise We are Warriors founder Nooky says Blak Powerhouse, a community-led event showcasing First Peoples art and performance "changed how I felt about January 26".
In a Powerhouse-We Are Warriors partnership, Blak Powerhouse returns for its second instalment in 2024, with a bumper lineup of artists, music, discussion and film at the museum's Ultimo site on the public holiday.
3% Becca Hatch, JK-47, Maanyung, Mi-kaisha, Miss Kaninna and Rona all feature in the music programme, with works from artists Michael Cook, Shal and Tjukurpamaru in display, and a panel discussion on Blak Power and Excellence also organised for the night.
Through the Fire, a documentary telling We Are Warrior's story, will also play.
For Nooky, Blak Powerhouse is a powerful event of "resilience" on a day which for many, is one which causes pain.
"Last year we put on Blak Powerhouse and the sense of blak joy we created was so overwhelming for me, and I know all the mob who attended felt the same," he said.
"There was so much power and resilience in the day for me it changed how I felt about January 26. If we can capture that same feeling this time around, in my eyes it's a win.
Powerhouse Associate Director First Nations, Beau James, said the event is a "formidable reclamation" and something the museum is proud to be a part of.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aren't defined by a date or a vote, and the scale of this amazing event makes it clear– since the first sunrise and until the last sunset, we are always here," he said.
Blak Powerhouse runs from 5-10pm on January 26 and Powerhouse Ultimo.
