Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival

Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival is Australia’s only literary festival dedicated to showcasing First Nations writers and stories.

The four-day showcase runs across Melbourne from 5 to 8 September and celebrates the diverse expressions of First Nations writers, covering all genres—from speculative fiction to oral stories, kids books to philosophy and from plays to poetry. With over 60 First Nations artists from across the country involved in the 2019 program, the Festival aims to build and broaden the readership and audiences for First Nations writing and storytelling.

Guests include Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen, Claire G. Coleman, Vicki Couzens, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Uncle Jim Everett, Richard Frankland, Gary Foley, Nayuka Gorrie, Yvette Holt, Selina Tusitala Marsh (NZ Poet Laureate), Marie Munkara, Ellen van Neerven, Drew Hayden Taylor (Canada), Lidia Thorpe, Shelley Ware and Stan Yarramuna are just a few of the Blak storytellers who will fill hearts, minds and venues across Melbourne including The Wheeler Centre, Melbourne Museum, RMIT’s Storey Hall, Charcoal Lane and Koorie Heritage Trust.

“This year’s Festival features activists, storytellers and writers. Be informed, inspired and entertained by Blak literature, old favourites and new. This mostly free festival is an open forum for those to come and be curious about First Nations ideas,” said Jane Harrison (Muruwari), Festival Director.

Most events are free though bookings are essential. Check the website for session details, times and venues.