Literature and Light Collide in an Unmissable Collaboration
Vivid Sydney 2025 and the Writers’ Festival are bringing storytelling, science, and activism together under the theme of “Dreams.” The collaboration promises thought-provoking discussions and immersive experiences across three major events: Dreams of The Future, Why We Sleep, and Firetalk.
Figure 1: The Sydney Opera House’s sails will shine with Kiss of Light by the late David McDiarmid during Vivid Sydney 2025. (Source: ABC News Network)
Sydney Writers’ Festival artistic director Ann Mossop highlighted the significance of these discussions. She described Dreams of The Future as a “trailblazing discussion on literature’s power to pioneer change.” The panel will feature influential voices, including Torrey Peters, the first openly trans woman nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and Sisonke Msimang, a South African writer, activist, and political analyst. Also joining the conversation are Ziggy Ramo, a fearless rapper and activist, and Anjali Sharma, a steadfast environmental champion.
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Discussing Why We Sleep, Mossop noted that Professor Matthew Walker, often called “the world’s number one sleep expert,” would explore groundbreaking ideas on sleep science. He will be joined by award-winning journalist Sana Qadar, and together, they will discuss how sleep affects learning, mood, energy, and longevity.
Mossop also shared insights on Firetalk, a unique First Nations storytelling experience. She explained that the event would take place “against the flickering glow of the Bon(d)fire Vivid Light installation at Barangaroo Reserve.” The lineup includes Wiradjuri poet and activist Jazz Money, along with other First Nations writers, poets, and songwriters. She invited audiences to this free, open-air storytelling event, promising it to be a “one-of-a-kind experience.”
This literary collaboration between Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Writers’ Festival is set to captivate and inspire, blending powerful ideas with the magic of live storytelling.
Vivid Sydney 2025: The Ultimate Festival of Light, Music, and Ideas
Vivid festival director Gill Minervini expressed her excitement about the collaboration. “Vivid stands as Australia’s largest festival and premier showcase of our creative industries. Our partnership with Writers’ Festival beautifully amplifies our 2025 theme of ‘Dream’ through these thought-provoking literary events.”
Figure 2: Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Writers’ Festival are collaborating on three events: Dreams of The Future, Why We Sleep with Professor Matthew Walker, and Firetalk.
She emphasised the festival’s power to bring people together. “This is exactly what makes Vivid Sydney so special, it draws people into shared experiences, creating extraordinary moments where culture, innovation, and community converge.”
Vivid Sydney 2025 will also feature an impressive line-up of music, art, and culinary experiences. Internationally acclaimed chef Nigella Lawson will curate three exclusive dining events. Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós will perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The festival will showcase the work of Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira and the late Australian artist David McDiarmid, whose Kiss of Light will illuminate the Sydney Opera House sails.
Event Details and Ticket Information
Festivalgoers can now secure their spots for these major literary events:
- Dreams of The Future | May 24, 8 pm – 9:15 pm | Sydney Town Hall | Price: $30 – $60
- Why We Sleep, featuring Professor Matthew Walker | May 27, 6 pm – 7:15 pm | Sydney Town Hall | Price: $30 – $65
- Firetalk | May 28, June 4, June 11, 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Walumil Lawns, Barangaroo | Free, tickets unreserved
The Writers’ Festival program will be officially announced on 13 March 2025, revealing more details about its full schedule.
Sydney Transformed by Light and Art
Vivid 2025 will once again turn the city into a luminous wonderland. The Light Walk will feature installations by leading Australian and international artists, with innovative projections, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences.
David McDiarmid’s Kiss of Light will animate the Sydney Opera House sails, showcasing his bold artistic legacy. McDiarmid, who passed away from AIDS in 1995, channelled his activism into his art, leaving a lasting impact on Australian culture.
Customs House will become a canvas for fashion designers Romance Was Born, while Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo will illuminate the Museum of Contemporary Art. Namatjira made headlines in 2024 when Gina Rinehart reportedly requested the removal of his portrait of her from the National Gallery of Australia. He responded at the time, saying, “I paint the world as I see it.”
Music Line-up: Sigur Rós, Anohni, and Local Icons
Music lovers can expect an electrifying program at Vivid Sydney 2025. Sigur Rós will headline Vivid Live at the Sydney Opera House, joined by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. British singer Anohni and her band The Johnsons will also return for exclusive performances.
Other highlights include German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream, house producer Mall Grab, and Papua New Guinean artist Ngaiire. Indigenous rapper Miss Kaninna, surf rockers Skegss, and DJ Nina Las Vegas will bring energy to the festival.
Darling Harbour’s free music program will feature Winston Surfshirt, Netflix’s Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon, and MonoNeon, Prince’s former bassist.
Culinary and Cultural Delights at Vivid Sydney
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson will take over the Sydney Metro’s pedestrian tunnels in Martin Place for three exclusive dinners. She will curate a culinary experience blending storytelling and fine dining, adding another dimension to Vivid Sydney 2025.
The Ideas program will continue its tradition of intellectual exploration, featuring Time Magazine’s creative director D.W. Pine and sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker. A new immersive Stranger Things experience at Luna Park will also thrill visitors.
A Festival Like No Other
Vivid Sydney 2025 promises to be a celebration of art, music, food, and ideas, bringing together international talent and homegrown creativity. The collaboration with the Writers’ Festival adds a powerful literary dimension, enriching the festival experience.
From light installations to live music and deep discussions, remains a festival that redefines the city’s cultural landscape. As Minervini put it, “By partnering with leading cultural festivals like Writers’ Festival, we’re able to enrich the festival experience and connect with audiences in meaningful new ways.”
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from 23 May to 14 June, promising unforgettable moments under the theme Dreams.
