Skip to main content

Main navigation

First Nations at the Sydney Opera House

Welcome to Country

A Welcome To Country is a customary greeting that Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people extend to visitors, who in turn agree to respect traditional laws and culture.

Upcoming performances, shows and events

Experiences

Badu Gili: Celestial

Watch the sails illuminate with Badu Gili: Celestial, a new projection celebrating the work and stories of two female First Nations artists from Australia and New Zealand, created in collaboration between the Opera House, Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain.

24 Apr 2024 Contemporary Music

The Jarrett Family - Wire MC, Tasman Keith & Kapital J

Join the Jarrett Family - Wire MC, Tasman Keith & Kapital J, in conversation and performance at the Sydney Opera House on 24 April 2024 as part of Generations and Dynasties, an intimate series of storytelling and music celebrating First Nations families and culture.

1 May 2024 Contemporary Music

Briscoe Sisters

Join the Briscoe Sisters & Daughters, in conversation and performance at the Sydney Opera House on 1 May 2024 as part of Generations and Dynasties, an intimate series of storytelling and music celebrating First Nations families and culture. 

9 May 2024 Contemporary Music

Troy Cassar-Daley & Jem Cassar-Daley

Join Troy Cassar-Daley & Jem Cassar-Daley, in conversation and performance at the Sydney Opera House on 9 May 2024 as part of Generations and Dynasties, an intimate series of storytelling and music celebrating First Nations families and culture. 

A shirtless man swimming underwater in a pool wearing a cloth skirt has his face looking up towards the sky,
11 Jun - 13 Jul 2024 Dance

Horizon

Experience the resilience of two of the world’s great First Nations in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration.

9 - 10 Oct 2024 Kids & Families

Waru

Ages 3+ | In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. 

Stream, read & listen

Jagamara photographed in black and white sitting on carpeted steps in front of the mural 'Possum Dreaming'.
Read Art

Michael Nelson Jagamara

For those fortunate enough to meet him, he embodied the qualities of the quintessential bush gentleman. Dressed in his jacket and distinctive Akubra hat, he exuded a dignified presence, often sharing humorous anecdotes and stories. Whether in Papunya or New York, Alice Springs or Brisbane, Sydney or Vienna, Jagamara often struck up conversations with new friends and passers-by alike, introducing himself with a warm smile and a handshake, announcing, “Hello, I'm a famous artist!”

Listen First Nations

Deadly Voices from the House

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.

Michael Nelson Jagamara wearing a beige suit jacket over a blue and white checked shirt and wide brim hat, standing in front of an artwork in pastel colours.
Read Art

A Possum Story

Michael Jagamara was born into and revelled in a time of great change and opportunities. Following the end of World War II, abstract expressionism had arrived in the Australian art world and Sidney Nolan completed his Ned Kelly series. Also in that year, in the north part of Western Australia, in an amazingly unread, event, at least 800 Aboriginal pastoral workers walked off the job and began one of the longest industrial strikes in Australian history.

Read First Nations

Badu Gili’s Frances Belle Parker

We talk to Frances Belle Parker, one of the five Badu Gili artists, about her work, her motivation and how she’s used the Opera House’s sails as a blank canvas.

Read First Nations

Deborah Mailman on Rhoda Roberts’ “remarkable” 16 years at the Sydney Opera House

Few people have had as much influence on what takes place in these hallowed halls as Rhoda Roberts. This month, she finishes her incredible stint at the Opera House. We spoke to actress and Trustee Deborah Mailman about Robert's everlasting impact.

Listen Contemporary Music

Music for... Love by Budjerah

Teen R&B sensation Budjerah has themed his playlist around love, and all the daydreaming and sweet talking that comes with a budding romance. Listen in, then tune in to his exclusive Opera House show for Liminal.

Read First Nations

Why NAIDOC matters

We ask some of our Opera House family – performers and artists who take centre stage during this week of celebration – to discuss this year's NAIDOC theme and to unpack why the week matters to them.

Stream Classical Music

Ensemble Offspring | Composing Songlines

Celebrating the unique music which has been created by First Nations Australian composers in the past 5 years as part of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program, this special concert featuring the compact chamber force of Ensemble Offspring places these ancient musical voices reflecting land, nature, history and deep culture at the forefront of living art music in Australia.

Stream, read and listen to more First Nations at the Opera House

Career development opportunities

The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing hands-on experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, which can lead to employment opportunities.

For further information about these career opportunities, contactworkexperience@sydneyoperahouse.com.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be great and learn more about our culture at the Opera House.

Courtney, Work Experience Program participant, FY17

Discover Tubowgule

Explore the history of the site where the Opera House stands.

The Opera House is committed to providing educational, professional development and cultural opportunities for First Nations communities. Whether through work experience, curated performances, such as the annual Dance Rites festival, or the daily lighting of the sails, the generous contributions of our visitors and friends allows us to create a positive impact in the lives of our communities.

Giving a gift today helps foster and celebrate a shared sense of belonging for all Australians. 

See how you can create change