Dream Aloud Festival

2024 - 2025

The Opportunity

The Outcome

First Nations artists & arts workers
employed in 2024.
Partnerships with Indigenous owned or led media — Black Star Radio, Bumma Bippera Media, and Blak Out on triple j.

Plus, an ongoing partnership with Djarragun College, supporting visual art capacity-building  
First Nations patrons benefited from our MobTix initiative with more than $6,100 in discount – with more than 80% of this attributed to Dream Aloud.
%
of audience surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that Dream Aloud makes a positive contribution to and impact on the cultural reputation of QLD.
M
Impressions generated through combined media coverage, PR activity and social media reach.

Project Overview

Dream Aloud launched in 2024 as a bold new initiative to spotlight the creative talent of Far North Queensland and amplify the voices of First Nations artists. Created through community consultation and grounded in strong cultural partnerships, the event was designed not only to celebrate local talent, but to respond to calls for greater visibility, support, and industry pathways in the region. 

Held on Yidinji Country in Gimuy, the inaugural Dream Aloud Festival delivered an unforgettable day of live music, cultural performances, and community celebration. The line-up brought together nationally recognised artists including Baker Boy, King Stingray, JK-47, and BUMPY, alongside incredible local acts such as R.3.B and Djun Djun Djarra from Yarrabah. A lively Mob Markets precinct showcased First Nations-owned stalls selling clothing, jewellery, art, and food which created a space for local creatives to share their culture, talents, and enterprise, as well as cultural performances throughout the day which grounded the event in respect, storytelling, and pride of place. 

In collaboration with Djarragun College, the 2024 festival featured striking visual artwork by Yidinji student Gwen Thomas, a Year 12 student studying her Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art. Her design incorporated elements deeply connected to her identity and Country — including her totem, the black cockatoo, and a sunset over Gimuy — capturing both personal meaning and a strong sense of place. This partnership offered a powerful platform for a young artist from the region to be seen and recognised in a high-profile way, with lasting impact for her confidence and creative journey. 

The success of Dream Aloud 2024 has laid the foundation for an expanded program in 2025, which will grow into a multi-day series across three events: 

  • Futures Summit – An industry-led symposium designed to build skills, knowledge, and networks for First Nations artists and arts workers in Far North Queensland. Created in partnership with QMusic and Tanks Art Centre.  
  • Blak Rising –  A dynamic showcase event spotlighting local talent alongside guest performances, encouraging cultural exchange and professional growth. Presented in partnership with Tanks Art Centre, the 2024 Blak Rising Showcase featured a powerful lineup including Miss Kaninna, Jada Weazel, Dean Brady, and Tjaka — each bringing their unique sound, stories, and style to the stage.  
  • Dream Aloud Festival – A return to the mainstage event with a fresh line-up of national and regional talent, cultural experiences, and community celebration. 

Returning in October, the 2025 series will feature performances from Budjerah, KAIIT, South Summit, 3%, Normey Jay (Yarrabah), Dubbzone, Kaweyova and more. At dusk, Minjil will deliver a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, timed to coincide with sunset, to honour the beauty and significance of that moment on Yidinji Country. The evening will also include performances by traditional and contemporary dance groups Miriki and Nathan Schrieber’s Yarrabah Dancers, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the region through movement, story and song. 

At the heart of Dream Aloud is community. Through deep consultation with Traditional Owners, Elders, artists, health services, schools, local venues and industry partners, the program has been built to meet the region’s needs — not only celebrating culture, but creating practical opportunities for growth, development, and long-term sector engagement. 

“This event could build capacity in community, strengthen community and arts connections and create pathways for emerging creatives in our region through strong local partnerships”

2024 Dream Aloud Attendee

“Having only travelled to Cairns once before to scuba on the GBR, my perception of Cairns was as a tourist town. Dream Aloud, while similarly a great tourist attraction, celebrated its First Nations people and was strong attended and enjoyed by then. This is ultimately a much richer and deeper experience to have with a place and its people. Rather than just ‘do the reef’, events like Dream Aloud allow chance to be immersed in the culture and long history of Cairns and it’s surrounds”

2024 Dream Aloud Attendee

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