Blak & Bright 2026: Evelyn Araluen and Tony Armstrong Lead First Nations Writers Festival
Blak & Bright, Australia's premier assembly of First Nations writers, is set to take place in Naarm (Melbourne) from 3 to 6 September 2026, featuring the theme EVERY:WHEN, which emphasizes Indigenous perspectives on time as interconnected and ongoing. Among the first confirmed participants are TV host and ex-AFL player Tony Armstrong, author Tony Birch, poet and editor Evelyn Araluen, actress and novelist Tasma Walton, along with author and actor Brooke Blurton. Bebe Oliver, the Artistic Director and CEO, remarked that storytelling serves as a vital means of truth-telling, showcasing the rich diversity of First Nations narratives. Established in 2016, Blak & Bright has grown to include year-round programming in collaboration with various Australian partners. The complete four-day schedule will be revealed on 23 July during a launch at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne.
Key facts
- Blak & Bright is Australia's largest gathering of First Nations writers and storytellers.
- The festival will take place in Naarm (Melbourne) from 3–6 September 2026.
- The 2026 theme is EVERY:WHEN, focusing on continuous and relational time.
- First wave of writers includes Tony Armstrong, Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen, Tasma Walton, and Brooke Blurton.
- Evelyn Araluen is a Goorie and Koori poet, researcher, and editor.
- Tony Armstrong is a TV presenter and former AFL player.
- Bebe Oliver is Artistic Director and CEO of Blak & Bright.
- The full program will be announced on 23 July at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne.
Entities
Artists
- Evelyn Araluen
- Tony Armstrong
- Tony Birch
- Tasma Walton
- Brooke Blurton
- Bebe Oliver
Institutions
- Blak & Bright Writers Festival
- The Wheeler Centre
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
Locations
- Naarm
- Melbourne
- Australia