VIVID IDEAS

Vivid Ideas brings together the world’s brightest minds and fearless global storytellers, exploring the forces that shape not only Sydney’s unique society, but all great cities around the world. With more than 85 intriguing talks and workshops on offer, Vivid Ideas explores the forces shaping our society, and starting conversations that continue long after the festival has ended.

Headlining the Ideas Program are Global Storytellers including Oscar and Emmy award-winning theatre and film director, screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, renowned for film and TV shows such as The West Wing, The Social Network, A Few Good Men and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Aaron will discuss politics and drama with renowned Australian broadcast journalist Leigh Sales at Sydney’s State Theatre.

A fearless advocate for women’s rights, American broadcast journalist, author and television personality Gretchen Carlson shares her story that inspired the blockbuster movie Bombshell with The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson. Gretchen will reveal how she helped to pave the way for the global #MeToo movement and advocated to end the silencing of harassment victims through forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements.

Be inspired as global superstar musician, record label owner, multi –award-winning artist and actor Troye Sivan, compares notes with Patrick Abboud, the Walkley nominated journalist, TV presenter, broadcaster, and documentary maker at Sydney Town Hall. The pair will discuss new models of masculinity, non-conformity, being young and queer, as well as Troye’s creative collaborations.

Other great storytellers in Ideas program include James Valentine and H.G Nelson with their hilarious show the Even Greater Sydney Committee at Parliament House, Brigid Delaney and Ben Law talking about Sydney’s obsession with the wellness industry at the Australian Museum, and Jonathan Biggins, Kate McClymont, Leah Purcell, Stephen Page, Sara Mansour from Bankstown Poetry Slam sharing their tales of Sydney.

This year’s Vivid Ideas Exchange will see over 60 events hosted at The Great Hall at The University of Technology Sydney – with talks, seminars, film screenings and special events designed to spark debate amongst the creative community. Sessions will be presented by Audible with Marc Fennell, Melissa Doyle, and Adam Liaw and Squarespace.

For the first time, Vivid Ideas Up Late will be hosted at Sydney’s renowned cultural institutions for a series of free, playful nights that mix talks, performances, fashion, music and food at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Museum, the Powerhouse Museum and the National Maritime Museum.

Vivid Ideas Curator Tory Loudon said “Vivid Ideas brings together the greatest minds and creative leaders who set the agenda and strive for change. The Ideas program celebrates storytellers that are the beating heart of the city – the artists, the creatives and the innovators who bring a sense of joy and discovery to the everyday. There are talks, workshops and hands on experiences where you can participate and have fun as well as being stimulated. Come and join the conversation.”

Website: https://www.vividsydney.com/