See You At SXSW Sydney In
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SXSW Sydney is thrilled to welcome Awesome Black back for a third year as part of our curatorial family, building on the strong foundations established in partnership over the last two years. Awesome Black’s curatorial approach centres First Nations voices, ideas, and creativity — responsive to audiences, attendees, and creators alike — a philosophy that aligns seamlessly with the spirit of SXSW Sydney.
In 2025, Awesome Black is bringing a bold and diverse slate of First Nations programming across the conference, music, film and more. Here’s a first look at some of what’s to come:
The SXSW Sydney Opening Ceremony will once again be grounded in First Nations culture. This year, as part of the Australia Fashion event at Tumbalong Park, Awesome Black is collaborating with Dave Buttersworth to present a ceremonial moment unlike any other: a “walking Welcome to Country” will place mob front and centre, blending ancient practice with cutting-edge creativity.
1. First Nations Creative Industry Showcase – co-hosted with Studio Gilay
A formal networking space spotlighting First Nations-owned businesses and creatives in arts, media, and storytelling. This showcase will celebrate recent wins, share impactful projects, and build connections with partners, funders, and industry leaders across the SXSW Sydney network.
2. Voices Rising Fund Launch
We’ll also unveil the Awesome Black Foundation’s Voices Rising Fund - a new initiative supporting the development and publication of First Nations-led creative works. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the fund, hear about early successes, and join us in shaping its long-term vision.
This event flows directly into the Blak to the Future takeover on the Tumbalong Park main stage.
On Thursday 16 October, SXSW Sydney’s public program, SXSW Sydney Unlocked, shines a spotlight on First Nations creativity. Blak to the Future: A Celebration of First Nations Creatives is a special event co-curated by Awesome Black and Winda Film Festival, hosted by Bianca Hunt and Travis De Vries.
The evening features short films from emerging filmmakers, live performances from SXSW Sydney showcasing artists, and the presentation of the 2025 Fellowship Scholarship by Screen NSW. Expect powerful storytelling, unforgettable music, and a headline artist still to be revealed.
Back by popular demand, genre-agnostic music showcase Louder returns - bigger, bolder, and louder than ever. This year’s lineup highlights artists on the cusp of breaking through, each pushing the needle with raw energy and passion including Kootsie Don, Nate G, Selve, Lemonise, Akala Newman, Mr Rhodes and DJ DK.
Awesome Black is changing its approach to onsite space compared to previous years. Instead of running the First Nations Lounge as a standalone area, this year marks the introduction of a hybrid hub within the main conference space: part First Nations lounge, part conference venue.
This new ally-friendly hub will spotlight First Nations sessions and speakers, programmed in collaboration with SXSW Sydney, giving them the visibility, audiences, and promotion they deserve.
It will also host dedicated preparation and support opportunities for Mob — providing a safe base on the conference floor to regroup, recharge, and connect. Attendees can expect deep-dive conversations, international Mob meet-ups, and focused gatherings such as the Mob Music Meet-Up and the Creative Industries Meet-Up.
Mob and friends are encouraged to use the hub at any time during the conference — a welcoming space to pause, connect, and find community amid the energy of SXSW Sydney.
Session highlights include:
Find out more about Awesome Black here, and download the official SXSW Sydney app to start planning your week at SXSW Sydney this October.
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