Meet the Makers:
Young First Nations voices shaping Brisbane's culture
Brisbane has a wide range of ways for you to learn, appreciate and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Connect with the next generation of First Nations voices in Brisbane through music, art, food and powerful cultural experiences – it’s time to meet the makers.
Events
Clancestry | July – August
Don’t miss Clancestry QPAC’s annual two-week celebration of First Nations storytelling, music, dance and visual art. Launching on 23 July, this dynamic program honours both traditional practices and contemporary cultural expressions, offering visitors a beautiful and honest insight into the strength and creativity of First Nations communities.
BIGSOUND | September
During the first week of September, BIGSOUND, Brisbane’s largest music industry gathering, hosts Goolwal Goolwal, a First Nations curated and led program created to amplify Indigenous voices. Find The Goolwal Garden (The Sound Garden) in the heart of Fortitude Valley to discover thought-provoking panels, deadly performances, exclusive events and so much more.
Brisbane Festival | September
Brisbane Festival will be hosting 13 First Nations events across the whole month of September, offering a diverse range of opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the contemporary arts of Australia’s deep and rich culture. Pasifika Made will transform Brisbane Powerhouse into a living arts and cultural village for all to come through and experience performances, workshops and live cultural ceremonies and demonstrations on September 7. Quandamooka Festival, taking place on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah from 13-14 September will encompass different activities for everyone to partake in. From immersive tours to food, weaving and arts demonstrations, film and music performances and so much more, there will be ample opportunity for you to experience the importance of country firsthand from the clans of the Quandamooka people. From September 24 – October 4 head to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to see The Bogong’s Song: a call to Country – an engaging tale about a brother and sister duo learning about the culture of their ancestors through storytelling, shadow puppetry, song and dance.
Musicians
Brisbane is teeming with young First Nations artists, using music to share their stories and culture.
SOLCHLD, a Jamaican-Arrernte storyteller, draws inspiration from R&B, gospel and neo soul genres to create a journey of the heart and soul. You can catch SOLCHLD performing at QPAC as part of Clancestry: Art of Song on 8 August.
Waveney Yasso, a singer/songwriter, with an impressive résumé, has toured with leading Australian acts including Ben Lee, Paul Kelly & Powderfinger. As a solo artist, Waveney is known for a gentle blend of acoustic and soul, inspired by the untold stories of her ancestors. View her TedXBrisbane acoustic set here.
Seven time Aria Award-nominated artist, Thelma Plum, uses her indie/folk music to explore her experiences growing up as an Aboriginal woman navigating life in Australia and her deep connection to Country.
Dancingwater and Chris Tamwoy are also local artist making a splash on the Australian music scene. Dancingwater blends soul with dance to create deeply meaningful music, while Chris Tamwoy, a former Australia’s Got Talent contestant, offers a unique, soulful style playing his guitar tap-style across the world.
Art
Visual storytelling through art, sculptures and fashion is at the heart of First Nations culture, and Brisbane’s emerging artists are showcasing these stories in vibrant and contemporary ways.
Explore beautiful, authentic works by young artists at Aboriginal Art Co. in South Brisbane, and experience deeper engagement through their guided tours, workshops, and artist events – all while supporting ethical, community driven art.
Queensland Arts Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) also host a First Nations Art Tour twice a year, guided by Kalkadoon woman Sandy Harvey, who offers thoughtful insights into the stories and complex histories of the artwork.
Birrunga Gallery in Milton showcases powerful exhibitions from both established and emerging First Nations artists. Founder and artist Birrunga Wiradyuri leads a cultural mentoring program that supports and nurtures young First Nations creatives, you can view the work of his mentees on display throughout the gallery.
Artists
Individual artists such as trashbinn.art and Keemon Williams push boundaries with playful, expressive and political art, while contemporary artist Rachael Sarra blends modern pop culture with tradition to create vibrant pieces that speak to culture and Country - her latest featured on the Brisbane Lions jersey.
Writers and curators like Alethea Beetson and Katina Davidson are using their platforms to share stories and perspectives, while also helping to create opportunities for other emerging First Nations artists.
Fashion
Renowned Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins has recently opened a retail and gallery space in the heart of Brisbane City, where her artworks, jewellery and textiles are available to view and purchase. Her pieces reflect deep cultural connection and storytelling tied to North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah. The space is proudly family-run, with support from her son Preston, who also models her designs.
Another standout is Magpie Goose, an Aboriginal-owned fashion label based in Bowen Hills. Led by Troy Casey and Amanda Hayman, the brand partners with emerging First Nations artists from across the country, transforming their stories and artworks into bold, wearable designs. With a focus on ethical production and creative collaboration, Magpie Goose supports the next generation of First Nations talent through fashion that celebrates culture and self-expression.
Food
Bush tucker is more than just food - it’s a story, a connection to Country, and a celebration of knowledge passed down through generations.
Indigenous-owned, Three Little Birds offer workshops, consultations and pop-ups that showcase native food in an elegant way, blending tradition with creativity.
Yaala Sparkling, founded by young Wiradjuri woman Tara Croker, produces sparkling water infused with real and native plants such as lemon myrtle and Davidson plum.
The second-generation Indigenous business, Fig Jam & Co not only sells delicious native-flavoured condiments but also highlight the rich flavours through their catering services.
Kakadu Organics embraces native foods in multiple ways, from chutneys and spices to skincare, haircare and candles. Founder Kylie-Lee Bradford created the eco-friendly brand to support women through holistic, everyday wellness.
Tours
There’s no better way to understand Brisbane’s cultural heritage than by walking alongside those who have been caring for Country.
Join a Yura Tour on beautiful North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, guided by Quandamooka women Elisha Kissick as she shares stories passed down through generations.
Nyanda Tours offers journeys through the scenic Nudgee waterholes. Book a tour with Serraya Stangeays, Neville Bonner’s great grandniece, to learn the art of native bulrush twining and how it’s used to create items like mats and baskets.
At Mount Barney Lodge in the Scenic Rim, the immersive Yarriba Tour invites you to slow down and connect with nature and Country. Guided by Gurruhmun (Old Man Kangaroo) you’ll learn traditional survival skills and deepen your understanding of the land.
Delve deeper into First Nations experiences with the whole family.
