Creativity beats at the heart of every great city – Sydney is no exception. Come and hear from cultural connectors Stephen Page (Artistic Director Bangarra Dance Theatre), Sara Mansour (Co-Founder of Bankstown Poetry Slam) and Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran (Visual Artist) about the stories that define us, bring us together, and sometimes tell uncomfortable truths. Katarina Kroslakova, Publisher & Editor in Chief at T Australia: The New York Times Style Magazine will moderate this session.

Much loved DJ Jonny Hawkins shares their love of eccentric characters who add soul to a city before segueing into DJing for the night.

Stephen Page is a cultural force. As Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre from 1991 to 2022, he has created a signature body of work and taken First Nations stories to a broad audience. Stephen is a natural born raconteur and shares stories of family, community and connection with trademark warmth and wit.

Sara Mansour is the Co-Founder of the Bankstown Poetry Slam. Sara is also a lawyer and uses her practise and her art to shed light on issues of political and social importance and to drive change. Hear Sara and other special guests of Bankstown Poetry Slam reflect on their experiences of the city.

Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran is a Sri-Lankan born visual artist who creates mixed media beings – playful sculptures that evoke memories, monsters, sentiments and multiple histories. His potent super-sculpture Earth Deities is a towering beacon on Vivid Sydney’s Light Walk. Together, we explore Ramesh’s heritage, his interest in spirituality and forms of idolatry, and discover how he harnesses creativity to connect with others.

Top off this jam-packed night with drinks, FREE live music, and a wander through the exhibitions.

In this series of FREE talks curated by Vivid Ideas and the Australian Museum, we reflect on what makes great cities, the joys and the pitfalls of city-living, and we hear personal stories of belonging.

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