#Australia #Sydney #Creative Arts #Vivid Sydney #Festival 2026

Vivid Sydney 2026: A Call to Creatives

Vivid Sydney, heralded as the largest multi-arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, is gearing up for an exciting return in 2026. Scheduled to run from May 22 to June 13, 2026, the festival promises to once again captivate audiences by transforming Sydney into a vibrant hub of Light, Music, Ideas, and Food. As the festival gears up, it actively seeks visionary artists, performers, and thinkers from across the globe to help shape its incredible program.

With preliminary estimates indicating that Vivid Sydney 2025 welcomed over 25 million visitors since its inception in 2009, the festival has generated a staggering $1.3 billion in visitor spending throughout its history. The New South Wales government, through Destination NSW, aims to continue this remarkable legacy of creativity and cultural significance.

“The overwhelming response to Vivid Sydney 2025 sends a clear message that this festival remains a powerful engine for creativity, culture, and economic impact,” stated New South Wales Minister for Employment and Tourism, Steve Kamper. He emphasized that Vivid Sydney not only lights up the streets but also reinforces Sydney's status as a global cultural capital and a can't-miss destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

Inviting the Next Generation of Creatives

As part of its call to action, Vivid Sydney invites a diverse range of creatives including artists, designers, performers, producers, and chefs to participate. This is not merely an invitation to contribute but a unique opportunity to be part of something extraordinary and to share innovative visions that could influence the festival's narrative.

In 2025, major partners like Samsung Electronics Australia and Kia left a significant mark. Samsung hosted a breathtaking presentation in Cockle Bay, exploring creativity through their exhibition titled “Space to Dream,” inspired by Galaxy AI. Meanwhile, Kia unveiled their highly anticipated electric vehicle, the EV3, during the Vivid Light Walk, showcasing their commitment to sustainable transport.

Returning partners, including Estée Lauder, amazed attendees with their stunning installation “While You Were Dreaming” — a vibrant blend of science, beauty, and imagination. Ausgrid, another official partner, powered Vivid Sydney's Tumbalong Nights program, further enriching the festival's offerings.

Airbnb continued as the community partner, supporting the volunteer program, while the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, the charity partner for 2025, presented “Dream Scene” at Darling Harbour. This digital canvas brilliantly animated children's dreams in a stunning, evolving landscape.

Support partners such as Dexus, Event Engineering, Kennards Hire, Nova, SBS, Stan, and others contributed their efforts to ensure the festival’s success.

Join the Movement

As Vivid Sydney prepares for another awe-inspiring year, the festival underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement. Creatives interested in contributing their talents can find more information and submit their expressions of interest at Vivid Sydney's official website.

In conclusion, Vivid Sydney 2026 is on the horizon, and its potential is limited only by the imaginations of those who dare to bring their dreams to life. This is a clarion call for creators to step forward and play a role in this iconic event. Don't miss out on the chance to leave your mark on one of the world’s most spectacular festivals!