A celebration of diversity at the Australian National Maritime Museum, immerse yourself in eclectic sounds, tastes from all over the world, and a cultural experience like no other.

From First Nations to newcomers and everyone in between, New Beginnings Festival is where you belong. Back after a fantastic 2023, immerse yourself in fresh sounds and tastes, and conversations on inclusivity and equity in the arts.

New Beginnings Festival is the unique celebration of the creative work of diverse artists, performers and craftspeople including First Nations, refugee and migrant backgrounds. Now entering its eighth year, this family-friendly festival will once again liven up Darling Harbour at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Register to attend this free event and enjoy a stellar lineup of performances, experiences, workshops, and stalls.

• Live performances - DOBBY, SOLCHLD, ChikChika and more!
• Food stalls featuring cuisine from around the world
• Market stalls featuring entrepreneurs from refugee and migrant backgrounds
• Free experiences and a full program for kids and families.

First in, best dressed

New Beginnings Festival is a popular and free event. The venue will likely reach maximum capacity during the festival. This means you might have to queue up on the day even if you have reserved a ticket. We recommend you come in early not to miss your favourite artist. 

Lineup

DOBBY

DOBBY, a Filipino and Aboriginal musician proudly rooted in the Murrawarri and Ngemba lands of NSW, is an extraordinary musical force. Blending rapping and drumming in his unique 'drapping' style, creating an entirely distinctive sound of his own.

SOLCHLD

Meanjin-based artist SOLCHLD is more than music – she's a storyteller, healer, and visionary. With her raw talent, she's quickly becoming a standout. Blending neo-soul and R&B, SOLCHLD effortlessly weaves personal and universal narratives through her soulful vocals and poetic writing.

ChikChika

Chikchika takes its name from a traditional East African beat, infusing unique pentatonic sounds into their music that evoke a range of emotions – from sadness to pride, happiness, and a deep appreciation for life.

The Strides

Hailing from Sydney, The Strides embodies Reggae power. Led by roots man Ras Roni, Fijian MC LTL GZeus, and Sierra Leonean ragga powerhouse Blacker C, they offer an explosive, authentic musical blend of classic roots reggae with hip-hop nuances, their sound fuses dance hall, dub beats, and reggae-pop.

Avaye Rood

This band was born in 2006, sparked by Behzad Ansari's musical passion. Behzad, also the primary composer and leader, has guided the group to make waves on global stages, spanning from Iran and Germany to Greece, Australia, and beyond. Their music? A unique fusion of Persian-inspired originals, weaving together English and Persian verses by Rumi.

Kerfew

An Australia-wide creative collective of South Asian artists, musicians, designers, and broadcasters, serves as a vibrant cultural catalyst - exploring, reimagining, and celebrating the rich narratives and diverse experiences within the Australian South Asian diaspora. 

EXPERIENCES

Ghana Road Show

A captivating, culturally rich performance combining diverse art forms that will guide you through an immersive journey across West Africa. This cross-cultural collaboration brings together Ghanaian circus performers, and musicians from African/Australian backgrounds - drummer and dancer Yacou Mbaye, musician Nii Odai Nmai, DJ Angelica Osuji (a.k.a Lady Chika), and dancer and choreographer Lucky Lartey. 

Curious Works Showcase

CuriousWorks offers an immersive two-part experience at the New Beginnings Festival. The first showcases compelling works from Ali Rezvani, Leila Beigli, and Khishkok Abdo, artists from Curious Works’ 2023 Refugee Artist Development Program. Their visual, photographic, and digital art provides a unique window into their lived experiences, inviting festival-goers to connect deeply with their narratives. The second part invites attendees to witness a live mural painting with visual artists Shiva Dadvar and Emmanuel Asante. 

ILE ILU

ILE ILU, pronounced “eelay eeloo,” embodies House of Rhythm's women's drumming performance, led by the talented multi-instrumentalist Marina Da Silva. Their journey is dedicated to infusing joy, inspiration, connection, and empowerment through vibrant rhythms drawn from Brazil and beyond.

Bamal Space

Experience a cinematic array featuring films by Quiet Humans, Carlos Agamez, and Si Yi Shen. 

Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum website for more information.