Emerging First Nations artists will have new opportunities to showcase their work at Vivid Sydney following the announcement of a $600,000 investment by the NSW Government.
Vivid Sydney is an annual arts and cultural festival that transforms the Harbour City with spectacular light displays, live music and entertainment, which attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world.
The funding will support the establishment of the Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator, a new program aimed at helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists develop their skills and gain experience in the creative industry.
The initiative will connect participants with professional design studios, allowing them to explore how their artwork and cultural stories can be transformed into large-scale light installations.
Artists will receive mentoring and practical experience working with industry professionals, with the aim of preparing them to contribute to future editions of the internationally recognised festival.
The program will be delivered in partnership with creative organisation Awesome Black, with successful applicants undertaking a four-month development program during the first half of 2027.
Participants will receive $18,000 and will develop an original concept that could be considered for inclusion in Vivid Sydney 2028.
The initiative also recognises the contribution of the late Rhoda Roberts, who played an important role in increasing First Nations representation at the festival.
Ms Roberts was Vivid Sydney's inaugural First Nations Advisor and spent many years advocating for greater recognition of Aboriginal culture through the arts.
Vivid Sydney's current First Nations Advisor, Travis De Vries, welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the influence of his predecessor.
"I am honoured and very proud to continue Aunty Rhoda's legacy in this way," he said.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the investment would help provide more opportunities for emerging artists.
"Vivid Sydney is a global showcase for creativity, and our First Nations artists deserve the opportunity to be part of it," Mr Kamper said.
Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said the initiative would help build on the work Roberts had undertaken to strengthen First Nations involvement in the event.
"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," he said.
The investment comes alongside a separate $400,000 commitment through Create NSW to assist the development of Aboriginal cultural arts tourism experiences.
Applications for the accelerator are currently open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists based in Sydney, with expressions of interest closing on November 9.
Vivid Sydney will return from May 28 to June 19 next year, with another program of light displays and cultural events across the city.
