Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the sacred lands on which we work. We pay our respects to the people of the Kulin Nations and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past present and future.
We recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first storytellers; and that knowledge transfer through storytelling is imbedded in the very DNA of this Country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Join us for a unique educational experience at State Library Victoria, where students in Years 9-10 and their teachers can engage in panel discussions, author workshops, and a special performance featuring monologues created and presented by talented First Nations artists. With Kirli Saunders, Graham Akhurst, Melanie Saward and Jane Harrison.
Tickets are limited and free for Victorian students.
In partnership with State Library Victoria.
Melanie Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman.. She is a writer, editor, and university lecturer based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. Her debut novel Burn was published by Affirm Press in September 2023 and she’s also had work published in Flock, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, and New Australian Fiction. In 2024, her first…
Graham Akhurst is a Kokomini writer who grew up in Meanjin. He is a Lecturer of Indigenous Studies and Creative Writing at UTS. Graham began his writing journey in a hospital bed in 2011. He read and started journaling between treatments for Endemic Burkett Lymphoma. As a Fulbright Scholar, Graham took his love for writing…
Jane Harrison is descended from the Muruwari people of NSW. Her first play Stolen had productions across Australia and toured internationally. She was co-winner of the 2012 RAKA Kate Challis Award for Stolen. Rainbow’s End (2003) has had numerous productions and won the 2012 Drovers Award for best touring production. The Visitors play (2020) premiered at Sydney Festival and won the Sydney Critics Award…
Kirli Saunders (OAM) is a proud Gunai Woman who rarely stays in her lane. She’s an award winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, singer-songwriter and consultant. Kirli creates, to connect, to make change. She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts (2022). Kirli has partnered with global organisations including Google, Fender, Sydney…
