These amazing Blak women are blazing a path in their creative practices, with hard work, new approaches and grit. Let them tell it how it is.  With Liza-Mare Syron, Melanie Mununggurr-Williams, Marie Munkara. Moderated by Julia Hurst.   Presented in partnership with The Stella Prize. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education and Engagement.

In a world dominated by Western philosophies hear three extraordinary Blak thinkers in conversation. Victoria Grieve-Williams will speak to the concept of Makarrata, a peacemaking process after a conflict, which begins with truth-telling. Dr Gregory Phillips established the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation and has a PhD in Psychology. Uncle Jim Everett, puralia…

Gregg has authored and illustrated many delightful and fun children’s books, including Silly Birds and Mad Magpies, and Dub has illustrated the whimsical Once There was a Boy, among a heap of books, and has even collaborated with Banksy. Together they will provide a real insight into the craft of visual storytelling. With Gregg Driese,…

Our panellists work in a variety of genres and have vastly different styles. So how do they create? This session will delve into the how, when, where and most importantly why writers write. With Drew Hayden Taylor (NZ), Raelee Lancaster, Laniyuk. Moderator: Bridget Caldwell. Presented in partnership with Writers Victoria. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education…

Of the approximate 250 traditional languages spoken in 1788 only 13 are still actively being acquired by children. Hear from a local cultural warrior who is relearning, reclaiming and re-educating in her own language. With Vicki Couzens. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education and Engagement.

The meek might inherit the world, but the bold are going to ensure there is an equitable world to inherit. Hear them talk about the things that matter now. With Tarneen Onus, Georgia Mae and Carissa Lee. Moderator Nayuka Gorrie.   Presented in partnership with the Emerging Writers’ Festival. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education and…

Seven of the best poets read three of their best poems in a mellifluous hour of power. With Ali Cobby Eckermann, Uncle Jim Everett, Raelee Lancaster, Yvette Holt, Selina Tusitala Marsh (NZ), Melanie Mununggurr-Williams and Ellen van Neerven.   Presented in partnership with Australian Poetry. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education and Engagement.

What is it like to have your life captured within the covers of a book? Or on stage, for all to see? These two autobiographical storytellers share some of the experiences of their (extraordinary) lives. With Richard Frankland, Stan Yarramunua. Moderator: Lenka Vanderboom. Supported by RMIT Indigenous Education and Engagement.

Festival Director Jane Harrison in conversation with Jannali Jones, winner of the Black & Write! Fellowship. With her debut novel My Father’s Shadow, Jones has crafted a thrilling story which keeps you on the edge right to the end. This session will officially launch the novel. With Jannali Jones, Jane Harrison. Presented in partnership with…

Three-minute ‘bonus’ yarns from community storytellers will pop up at the start of many sessions. Happening throughout Saturday. Writers include Bridget Caldwell, Monique Grbec, Maurial Spearim, Den the Fish, Mark Nannup, Ryan Prehn, Bryan Andy.