Everything Free at Vivid Sydney 2024 - Ideas

A New Normal

Vivid Ideas is more than a series of talks; it's a platform for activation and inspiration, an opportunity to challenge and reshape perspectives on the world and peoples’ role within it.

This year’s theme of humanity will be grappled through live performances, panel discussions, walking tours, immersive dance pieces and other thought-provoking experiences. Spark your empathy, intellect and imagination with our free program highlights below.

AFTER THE FACT

Join a free, lively and stimulating panel discussion every weeknight that dissects the day's news and current affairs, moderated by Tom Wright. A great way to kick-off your Vivid Sydney evening and to engage more deeply with the day’s breaking news with a drink in hand at Rekodo, Barangaroo House.

WINDOW DRESSING

This performance art piece turns the Frank Gehry-designed building at UTS into a canvas of illuminated stories, inviting onlookers to peer into eight windows animated by a “performance” in each, allowing you to indulge our natural curiosity about the lives of others. Right in the Fire Kitchen action, this free show is not to be missed when visiting The Goods Line.

A NEW NORMAL

What does sustainability look like in the not-too-distant future? Find out when you sit on furniture made entirely from rubbish, feel the heat radiating from a sauna powered by leftovers and see below the bonnet of an old petrol car transformed into a solar-powered 'forever car'. This immersive future-prototype hub is an opportunity for people of all ages to see sustainable, innovative ideas up close and in action.

SPIRITS OF THE HOEY

It’s time to relive the glory days of legendary Sydney music venue, the Hopetoun Hotel, through a panel chat and VR documentary. Featuring Hoey-regulars Sarah Blasko, Clyde Bramley, Sally Seltmann and more, this is a fun and illuminating trip down memory lane.

Don’t forget to register for tickets to attend this free event.

ART AFTER HOURS X VIVID SYDNEY

This Vivid Sydney special edition of the Art Gallery of NSW’s ever-popular Art After Hours brings together stellar Light Walk artists Julia Gutman, Leila Jeffreys, Reg Mombassa and Guan Wei. They’ll discuss art's role in understanding humanity and the talk will be moderated by Benjamin Law.

NOWHERE TO BE

Watch this breath-taking portrait of a bustling world in stillness. This free, Australian premiere of this compelling documentary offers a fresh look at the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of 31 international cinematographers. Surprising, moving and utterly compelling, catch it at UTS’ Chau Chak Wing Museum on The Goods Line.

SAY MY NAME: THE HUMANITY OF NAMES

Explore what it means to have a so-called “unusual” name in a panel discussion led by Jan Fran. Hear personal stories and cultural histories, then leave with insights and tools for rectifying mispronunciations and working together for a more respectful and inclusive society. Don’t forget to register for tickets to attend this free event.