RISING 2026 adds Indigenous projection, artist bar, expanded talks
The RISING winter festival in Melbourne is set to take place from 27 May to 8 June, with the final program updates now revealed. Highlighting the event is Midéegaadi, a sound and projection installation by Cannupa Hanska Luger, which will be showcased in Times Square in 2025 and delves into the regeneration of North American bison. This installation will be displayed at Fed Square from 28 to 30 May as part of Calling Country: The Land Speaks Back. Additional features include the RISING Artist Bar at Wax Music Lounge, with performances from various artists, and expanded discussions on The Shepherds, The Supposed To Be, and Nowhere. A panel featuring Raven Chacon on Sovereignty and Sonic Resistance is scheduled at RMIT on 4 June, while free talks on First Peoples artists will occur at City Square on 30 May.
Key facts
- RISING runs from 27 May to 8 June 2026 in Melbourne.
- Midéegaadi by Cannupa Hanska Luger is a large-scale projection and sound work at Fed Square from 28 to 30 May.
- Midéegaadi was first presented in Times Square, New York City in 2025.
- The work explores Indigenous futurisms and regeneration of the North American bison.
- Midéegaadi will also be projected on Hamer Hall façade as part of Calling Country: The Land Speaks Back.
- Djirri Djirri Women's Dance Group will present projections alongside Midéegaadi.
- RISING Artist Bar at Wax Music Lounge is free and open Wednesday to Sunday with rotating music and performances.
- Sovereignty and Sonic Resistance panel at RMIT on 4 June features Raven Chacon, Hayden Ryan, and Kimberley Moulton.
- City Square hosts free talks on 30 May focused on First Peoples artists, anchored by Kent Morris's Flower Power.
- God Save the Queens by The Royal Family Dance Crew takes place at Fed Square on 6 June.
Entities
Artists
- Cannupa Hanska Luger
- Betty Grumble
- Dimmy Charms
- Synergy Trilogy
- Tripping Ballz
- Maxine Funke
- Sofay
- Hip Hop Hoe
- Mikey Young
- YL Hooi
- Faux Rabbit
- Bridget Small
- Raven Chacon
- Hayden Ryan
- Kimberley Moulton
- Kent Morris
- Stacie Piper
- Jenna Mayilema Lee
- Kate ten Buuren
- The Royal Family Dance Crew
- Djirri Djirri Women's Dance Group
Institutions
- RISING
- Fed Square
- Wax Music Lounge
- RMIT
- City Square
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- Hamer Hall
- Melbourne Queer Film Festival
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Green Room Awards Association
- Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
- Three Triple R FM
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Fed Square
- Naarm
- Wurundjeri Country
- Times Square
- New York City
- United States
- Hamer Hall
- City Square
- RMIT