Blak & Bright is a First Nations Literary Festival based in Naarm (Melbourne). Established in 2016, Blak & Bright is a four-day showcase that celebrates the diverse expressions of First Nations writers, covering all genres from oral stories to epic novels and from poetry to plays.

Join us at the Library Museum for a livestream featuring the boldest Blak writers including Kim Scott, Kirli Saunders, Julia Janson, Debra Dank, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Helen Milroy, John Morrissey and more.

All events are free! Book your ticket and drop in to as many sessions as you want.

Saturday 16 March

9:30am, Doors open for 9:45am start

10am - 11am, WISDOM OF THE ELDERS CONVERSATION - Sit down with First Nations Elders and bear witness to their sacred knowledge of country and community. With Aunty Di Kerr, Uncle Herb Patten, Uncle Dave Wandin and moderated by Isobel Morphy-Walsh.

11:15am - 12:15pm, SISTAS ARE DOIN IT - How do three fabulous Blak women write while juggling the many roles Aboriginal women fulfil in their communities? With Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Helen Milroy, Amy Thunig and moderated by Sandra Phillips.

12:30pm - 1:30pm, YUNG, BLAK & BOLD - Get a glimpse into the minds of young writers who are shaping the future of Blak literature. With John Morrissey, Stone Motherless Cold, Susie Anderson and moderated by Neika Lehman.

1:45pm - 2:45pm, THE CRAFT OF WRITING - There’s more than one way to write a good story. Three writers sit down to discuss their methods of the craft. With Julie Janson, Kim Scott, Raelee Lancaster and moderated by Evelyn Araluen.

3pm - 4pm, LANGUAGE LIVES - What role do First Nations languages play in Australia’s creative outputs? You might be surprised. With Kim Scott, Kirli Saunders, Tara June Winch and moderated by Vicki Couzens.

Sunday 17 March

9:45am, Doors open

10am - 11am, FIRESTICK FARMING - This session highlights the role of firestick farming in shaping the ecology of Australia. With Uncle Dave Wandin, Uncle Rodney Carter and moderated by Bhiamie Williamson.

11:15am - 12:15pm, WOVEN - This session explores Woven, a poetry anthology that holds the voices of 30 First Nations peoples collaborating to write other worlds. With Anahera Gildea, essa may ranapiri, Evelyn Araluen, Raelee Lancaster and moderated by Bridget Caldwell-Bright.

12:30pm - 1:30pm, YA AWESOME! - Ever wondered how writers craft compelling narratives that young adult readers love to read? Expert First Nations writers tell all in this informative young adult work focused session. With Gary Lonesborough, Graham Akhurst, Melanie Saward and moderated by Mariah Sweetman.

1:45pm - 2:45pm, A BIG LIFE - Two writers share their insightful memoirs in this intimate and special event. With Debra Dank, Amy Thunig and moderated by Lynette Russell.

3pm - 4pm, KWATYE URREWE - WORLD PREMIERE: How does living on Country inspire writing? Be immersed as writers and poets from language groups across the central desert share their work from their remote homelands. A film series featuring Theresa Penangke Alice, Marie Elena Ellis, Maureen Nampijinpa O’Keefe, Tisha Perrurle Carter and Desmond and Stanley Byrne. Co-created with GARUWA co-founder Kieran Satour and Director of Photography Ryan Andrew Lee