Jacob Nash’s final Festival, and a new era for Indigenous leadership at Sydney Festival

Celebrating Blak Out brilliance, and the announcement of a brand new role.

19 Mar, 2025 Sydney Festival

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Jacob Nash (Jake), a pivotal figure in Sydney Festival’s recent history, will curate his final Blak Out program in 2026, delivering a dynamic and unforgettable edition to mark both his tenure and the Festival’s 50th anniversary, ensuring a powerful and vibrant farewell.

Reflecting on his time with Sydney Festival, Jake said:

“It’s been an incredible privilege to serve as Creative Artist in Residence and curate the Blak Out program over the past four years. As Sydney Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, it will also mark my last year.

While the world has changed, one constant has been the honour of bringing extraordinary First Nations artists and stories to Sydney each January.
As I prepare to step back, I look forward to seeing new First Nations voices bring fresh vision to the Blak Out program and The Vigil. But before I go, I’m excited to work with Kris Nelson to celebrate the 50th with some of the country’s most extraordinary First Nations artists. The future is Blak.”

Vigil: The Future (Sydney Festival 2024)

Kris Nelson, Festival Director, said:

“Jake Nash is one of Australia’s finest. I’m thrilled to collaborate with him on this year’s festival as he delivers his final Blak Out program.

Jake has contributed unforgettable projects to Sydney Festival, from the striking designs of his Vigil installations like ALWAYS to the dynamic breadth of his Blak Out curation. His vision has been integral to the Festival, balancing ambition and sensitivity to ensure First Nations artists have led each edition across all genres and spaces.

Sydney Festival is committed to putting First Nations artists first, and after Jake’s exceptional final program, we’ll be creating a new role of Creative Producer – First Nations. I look forward to welcoming a new collaborator in this key creative leadership role.”

Future Dreaming: Hope and Change (Sydney Festival 2022)

Jake has been instrumental in the Blak Out program, curating Festival experiences that showcase and platform First Nations artists and stories. Over his time at the Festival he has designed and curated incredible works including: Black Ties and ALWAYS (2019), Wudjang: Not the Past (2021), Future Dreaming: Hope and Change (2022), Vigil: Awakening (2023), Blue (2023) and Marilya Choir's Spinifex Gum (2024). Jake also collaborated with Cave Urban on the 2025 Barangaroo installation Vigil: Gunyah, creating a month-long space for workshops, performances, and conversations with Indigenous artists and thinkers, culminating on the 25th of January with Vigil: Truths featuring 3%. His leadership has been crucial in continuing the Blak Out program as a vital platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.

Vigil: Awaken (Sydney Festival 2023)

As Jake steps back, he passes the artistic reins to the newly created role of Creative Producer – First Nations, ensuring that First Nations leadership continues to thrive at Sydney Festival.

This new role will shape the future of the Festival’s First Nations programming with bold curatorial vision and hands-on delivery. Applications have just opened—offering a significant opportunity for a First Nations creative to lead and shape Sydney Festival’s direction.

Learn more about the new position here.