The 2025 Blak Out program, curated by Jake Nash, a descendant of the Daly River people, brings together a diverse range of First Nations voices.

The month-long Sydney Festival initiative offers artists a platform to address cultural themes, share their perspectives and shape the conversations often neglected in broader discourse.

"Politics have moved too slowly for us," he said.

"The conversations we want to have as blackfellas haven't happened as fast as we want.

"So I look to our artists, our storytellers, and community leaders to shape the narrative we want to share."

Throughout January, Barangaroo Reserve will serve as the program's main site, transforming into a space for gathering and dialogue.

Reflecting on this choice, Mr. Nash said Barangaroo is a "constructed space... it's been a number of things, but over the last decade, they've turned it into this park with these really beautiful views".

"We've used that park now for the last seven years… turning it into an outdoor venue," he said.

An Indigenous-crafted canopy will frame Vigil: Gunyah. (Image: Supplied)

Vigil: Gunyah will initiate conversations about cultural identity, community, and responsibilities, bringing these discussions to a public space under a woven canopy crafted in collaboration with Indigenous fibre artists.

Later, Vigil: Truths on 25 January will focus on listening to First Nations perspectives, encouraging reflection on shared futures.

A soundscape by Brendon Boney will highlight these events, inviting visitors to pause and consider the role of Indigenous voices in shaping Australia's future.

Mr. Nash emphasised the diversity of Indigenous stories featured in the program, saying he hopes the audience will takeaway these messages throughout the program.

"Across the whole program, there are stories about Country, our ancestors, our queer identities, and cultural responsibilities," he said.

"If you're not a blackfella, you'll get to see such a rich experience of who we are… you don't have to connect with everything, but something will stick.

"You have to engage in the art to understand it."

The Blak Out program will also feature the play Jacky at Belvoir Theatre, Indigenous climate reflection through Plant a Promise, and Redfern Renaissance, which honours the legacy of National Black Theatre.

Kicking off the program, Gamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son will perform Bilambiyal, his latest album that explores cultural connection, heritage, and belonging.

Closing out the program, Murrawarri-Filipino rapper and drummer DOBBY will present his debut album, WARRANGU: River Story, using hip-hop and storytelling to address environmental concerns around the Murray-Darling Basin.

Together, these elements underscore the program's mission: to elevate First Nations art as a powerful conduit for dialogue, understanding, and change.

"Artists can ask the hard questions," Mr. Nash said.

"They can tell truths, inspire, and set the agenda."