Unmissable First Nations events in 2023

The identity of this nation is embedded in Indigenous art. In this referendum year when we vote for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, take time to discover and celebrate First Nation’s culture at these events.

Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): First Nations Gathering Space (NSW) as part of Sydney WorldPride 2023 (NSW) is a thrilling extravaganza of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and global First Nations LGBTQIA+SB art, action and adoration. With DJs, cinema, theatre, music, poets, circus, storytelling, Tidda Bingo, drag, dance, parties, Koori-oke, free exhibits and food, it’s a party, an artwork and a gift that just keeps on giving.
23-28 February at various locations; free and ticketed events.

The Mulka Project: Djarraṯawun – Light (ACT) is a video animation projection and sound work commissioned for the 2023 Enlighten Festival. Projected onto the National Gallery’s façade, the work portrays YolÅ‹u cultural knowledge about Djarraṯawun through the life cycles of our world. Be enthralled and enlightened by the three major elements of Djarraṯawun: walu (sunlight), makarran (lightning) and gurtha (fire). 
3-13 March at NGA; free entry.

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Monique Grbec is a writer, critic and text-based multidisciplinary artist. They have written for BBC Australia, Westerly, Blak & Bright, IndigenousX, Koorie Heritage Trust, The Saturday Paper, Witness Performance, Yirramboi Festival and Kill Your Darlings. They are currently working on ‘The Wall Remix’, a First Nations reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera ‘The Wall’. Monique is a child of the Stolen Generations and a producer at Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival.