Celebrating the richness of the world’s oldest living cultures
The Opera House’s First Nations program continues the traditions of Tubowgule, also as known as Bennelong Point, a Gadigal meeting place for tens of thousands of years. The Opera House’s First Nations Program was launched in 2012 and led by Widjabul, Bundjalung trailblazing artistic director Rhoda Roberts AO, followed by Quandamooka, Mununjali curator, producer and performer Beau James.
Current Head of First Nations Programming, Michael Hutchings, of Arrernte heritage leads a year-round program that celebrates the vibrancy and vitality of national and international First Nations cultures. The programming explores the continuation and strengthening of First Nations stories and songlines through performance, screen and contemporary art that showcases intergenerational exchange, strong connection to country and the retention of cultural practice and language.
In addition to the program’s tentpole event DanceRites, Australia’s only national First Nations dance competition, past First Nations performances have included the Sydney premiere of SILENCE from groundbreaking First Nations dance company Karul Projects; the headline debut of phenomenal ARIA-nominated Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji singer-songwriter Emma Donovan; Circling Time - Songs and Stories with renowned songman, Kutcha; an evening of culture in Native Owned with Native American and Canadian collective Indigenous Enterprise; and the world premiere of First Nations cabaret Natives Go Wild, written and conceived by Rhoda Roberts AO.
This incredible event is a celebration of our culture, heritage, and connection to Country… This is more than a competition — it's an opportunity to come together, celebrate our traditions, and create lasting memories. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our cultures strong and vibrant.
Seba Bourne, Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group (Winners DanceRites 2024)
DanceRites
DanceRites is Australia’s only national competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups. Since it began in 2015, more than 1,800 people have participated in the free event which draws together performers representing nations from across the country. Held on the Forecourt, the weekend-long event showcases unique cultures through high-energy competition, as well as guest performances from international and Australian First Nations artists.
18 dance groups competed in 2024, representing more than 40 nations and clans across Australia. Breaking attendance records, nearly 16,000 people were onsite across the two days of competition, with 75,000 tuning into the livestreams. Held every second year, the next DanceRites will be in 2026.
Generations and Dynasties
A new annual series, Generations and Dynasties invites esteemed First Nations families to share conversation, storytelling and song in the intimacy of the Utzon Room. Each event features a different family of creatives, exploring the rich tapestry of storytelling in First Nations culture, passed down from parents to children and among siblings. Launched in April 2024, the debut series featured three evenings: the Gumbaynggir men of the Jarrett family, Wire MC with his sons Tasman Keith and Kapital J; the Briscoe Sisters joined by their five daughters; and father-daughter duo Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley.
Vivid LIVE
Vivid LIVE is the annual centrepiece of the Opera House’s year-round contemporary music program. As well as presenting global acts, the festival showcases beloved locals and emerging voices. Established and up-and-coming First Nations artists play a key role in each line-up. First Nations artists in Vivid LIVE have included Thelma Plum, Tia Gostelow, BARKAA, Budjerah, Becca Hatch and many more.
The sisters’ journey as performers began as an award-winning folk infused group performing under the name Briscoe Sisters. Now, they have their own successful solo careers as artists, singers and songwriters. The sisters will be joined onstage by the next generation of artists - Deline's daughters Merindi and JadeAmali, Naurita's daughters Kiara and Shennaye, and Merindi's daughter Felicity.
A podcast that takes intimate interviews with First Nations artists and leaders to the world. Acclaimed presenter, journalist, actor, producer and arts guru Rhoda Roberts AO presents Deadly Voices from the House, recorded live from Sydney Opera House. Featuring a diverse selection of guest appearances from prominent First Nations leaders from the music, arts and culture sector. Deadly Voices from the House provides an important platform to discuss critical issues and explore the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary culture.
Podcast
Michael Hutchings
Head of First Nations Programming
An experienced First Nations culture and arts professional of Arrernte heritage from Central Australia, Michael Hutchings joined the Opera House in 2023. He was most recently at the Australia Council for the Arts as the First Nations Project Manager, where he led and developed projects addressing the needs of the sector across artforms.
Throughout his career, Hutchings has worked to develop and platform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across the country, curating many industry-leading mentoring and residency opportunities for artists. This has included growing and supporting First Nations membership at APRA AMCOS, producing the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards in partnership with NITV at the Australia Council for the Arts, establishing the Gadigal Music record label, and leading MusicNSW’s Whichway Program for First Nations musicians. He has also held a range of curatorial and creative conception roles across the performing arts industry, including Surry Hills Festival, productions at Sydney Festival, Peats Ridge Festival and the Powerhouse Museum.
In his time at the Opera House, Michael has led the return of DanceRites to a live on-site festival in 2023; developed the inaugural Generations and Dynasties series in 2024, celebrating the intergenerational exchange of creativity within First Nations families; and is currently developing new programming to showcase the richness, vibrancy and vitality of First Nations culture through a range of artforms.
