Celebrate culture, creativity and community at the BLAK Arts Festival!
Join us at St Lucia campus on Thursday 11 September for a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, music and storytelling.
BLAK Arts Festival program
When: Thursday 11 September 2025
Where: Dr Mary Mahoney Amphitheatre, St Lucia campus
This is a free event where you can enjoy powerful live performances, browse market stalls, sample delicious flavours and relax on picnic mats or under our marquees.
What to expect
A full schedule of live performances
Mouth-watering food from local food truck Jarrah Catering
Market stalls, including art, clothing, jewellery, books, author signings and more
Picnic mats and shaded marquees for a relaxed, welcoming vibe
- A free, inclusive event open to everyone in celebration and honour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic expression.
Events
| Time | Event | Location |
10am | Tribal Experiences - Welcome to Country | Amphitheatre |
10:15am | Official Opening by ATSIS Director Cassandra Diamond | Amphitheatre |
10am-11am | Dr Aileen Moreton-Robinson Book signing | Book tent |
10:20am | DJ Gurilla | Amphitheatre |
10:35am | Jamaine Wilesmith (UQ Alumni) | Amphitheatre |
11am-12pm | Dr Jackie Huggins book signing | Book tent |
11:15am | DJ Gurilla | Amphitheatre |
11:30am | UQ Reconciliation Choir | Amphitheatre |
12:10pm | DJ Gurilla | Amphitheatre |
12:25pm | Jasmin Adams (UQ Student) | Amphitheatre |
12:45pm | DJ Gurilla | Amphitheatre |
1pm - 2pm | Cheryl Leavy Book signing | Book tent |
1pm - 2pm | Performance by Aunty Delmae Barton and the Sketch Ensemble | Music School Nickson Room, Zelman Cowen Building |
1:00pm | Z.D.K. Hip Hop Artist | Amphitheatre |
1:40pm | DJ Gurilla | Amphitheatre |
Stallholders
| Organisation | Type |
| BRACKS Indigenous Clothing Pty Ltd | Clothing and merch |
| Charm Ya Crocs | Croc jibbitz, crocs and bags |
| Choo Choo Designs | Accessories (jewellery) and bags |
| Cockatoo Collins | Art, clothing, accessories, stationary |
| Dhiiyaan Dhinawan | Aboriginal Artifcats, art, jewellery and weaving |
| Dreamtime Artistry | Arts and gifts |
| Dwayne King ARTIST | Arts and crafts |
| First Nations Book Stall | First Nations books and Author signing |
| Glass Art Dreaming | Aboriginal art on glass and mirrored-based products, and glass jewellery |
| Indigibee | Upcycled and handmade goods (jewellery, bees wax wraps), and live native bee hives |
| Jelyar (Jell Air) Jewellery | Jewellery |
| Muralappi Arts | Aboriginal Artifacts, bags, purses and paintings |
| Murrorong Aboriginal Jewellery | Murrorong Aboriginal jewellery |
| Native OZ Bushfoods | Condiments, teas, soft drinks and soaps |
| Olivia's Crystals and Jewellery | Crystals and jewellery |
| Red Sand Sisters | Art, accessories, clothing and homewares |
| Winda Jindas | First Nations bush jewellery and handmade goods |
Authors

Music Now
Location: Nickson Room, School of Music
Event description: Aunty Delmae Barton shares her poetry and uniquely inspired singing, accompanied by Sketch Ensemble, including a composition she created with her son William, "Pilgrim's Prayer". In addition, members of Sketch share their own compositions, with premiere works by Caterina Micola von Furstenrecht, Abigail Lui, Ashlyn Keiler and Taylee Jurekie-Rofe. Learn more here.
Entry: No registration or ticket required.
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