Expressions of Interest 2027
Vivid Food Opportunity
Vivid Food presents a bold opportunity to position Sydney and New South Wales as Australia’s culinary ‘capital’ on a global stage—celebrating its diversity, creativity, and deep connection to NSW’s people, places, and produce.
Vivid Sydney invites locals and visitors alike to experience what makes our food scene so special. From hatted chefs, world-best restaurants, small local authentic eateries and the incredible NSW producers and suppliers, we want to showcase how delicious and diverse our cuisine is on this global festival stage (or table).
Vivid Food invites chefs, producers, restaurateurs, hospitality creatives and event companies to create food focused events and activations that are creative, innovative and encourage visitation to CBD restaurants and venues. Vivid Food events should actively promote the night-time economy and provide unforgettable experiences for our audiences.
We are looking for concepts that celebrate Sydney and NSW food in original and dynamic ways. We encourage events that incorporate other elements of the festival such as Light, Music or Minds; food experiences that truly engage with audiences through creativity, immersion and interactivity.
Please also consider that for 2027 and 2028, a Daytime Program is included in Vivid Sydney. A selection of lunches and food events suitable for daytime activity will be eligible for featuring in our daytime program.
At its core, Vivid Food champions connection - linking Sydney’s leading venues with regional NSW and outer suburban communities through immersive, story-driven dining and activation formats.
The Vivid Food programs aim is to not just to feed audiences, but to immerse, connect and inspire bringing the full flavour of NSW to the heart of Sydney during Vivid.
Application Requirements:
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- Personal/company information - contact and contracting details.
- Previous experience in developing and producing successful unique and creative food. activations/events, including examples of previous related work.
- A brief written description of the food concept, including but not limited to:
- Proposed title of the food event and brief description.
- Proposed venue and format – we encourage events in unique spaces and venues.
- Proposed event producer, chef/s, food suppliers, talent – musicians, speakers, lighting designers etc of the event/activation and their experience in delivering the style of event you are proposing.
- How the concept incorporates Light, Music and/or Minds.
- Proposed event date/s and times.
- Proposed ticket prices (preference will be given to those events with competitive pricing).
- Proposed target audience.
- What are your event objectives?
- How does the concept celebrate and showcase Sydney/NSW food and produce?
- How does the concept promote the night-time economy in Sydney CBD?
- How the event demonstrates innovation in the food sector.
- Event marketing and communications information and an explanation of how you plan to market your event including to ex-Sydney audiences. Please include examples of previous marketing material and details on social media and digital marketing communities.
- A detailed budget breakdown, including how any requested investment will assist in further developing program content, quality and scope.
- Information on the accessibility and sustainability of your event.
Selection Criteria
In your EOI please demonstrate how your Vivid Food event meets the following criteria:
- Concept - Applicants must provide a clear and compelling description of the proposed food event concept, including the event title, format, talent inclusions, style of menu and proposed venue, with an emphasis on originality and the use of unique spaces.
- Creative & Culinary Merit - The proposal should demonstrate a strong creative and culinary vision, showcasing originality, quality and innovation in how food is conceived, prepared and experienced by audiences.
- Event Experience - Applicants must demonstrate proven experience delivering high‑quality public events and creative activations, with relevant examples, including direct experience within the food events sector.
- NSW Produce Focus - The event must clearly integrate and celebrate NSW produce, demonstrating meaningful engagement with local growers, producers or suppliers and highlighting regional food stories.
- Light, Minds & Music Activation - Applicants should outline exactly how the concept incorporates Light, Music and/or Minds in a way that meaningfully enhances the food experience and aligns with the broader Vivid Sydney program.
- Audience Visitation - The proposal must outline how the event will drive visitation from within Sydney, from New South Wales, from interstate and overseas , including a marketing and communications strategy targeting audiences visiting Vivid Sydney and demonstrated digital or social reach.
- Accessibility & Sustainability - Applicants must demonstrate clear commitments to accessibility and sustainability, outlining inclusive audience access measures and environmentally responsible practices.
All applicants are required to read the following documents prior to applying:
Responses will be assessed against the criteria listed in the table below, which are not indicated in order of significance or given equal weight.
| Pass / Fail Criteria | a. Received in appropriate Application Form and Vivid Sydney budget template correctly filled out in AUD b. Compliance to EOI Requirements including diversity, audience development, access and inclusion and sustainability c. Viability |
|---|---|
| Non-Price Criteria | a. Concept b. Creative & Culinary Merit c. Event Experience d. NSW Produce Focus e. Light, Minds & Music Activation f. Audience Visitation g. Accessibility & Sustainability |
| Price Criteria | a. Cost-effectiveness and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline |
Information supplied by the respondent in the Application Form will contribute to the assessment against each criterion. Respondents are advised to respond clearly to all the criteria listed in this EOI. DNSW may seek to clarify any information provided by a respondent.
Responses that do not include a fully completed Application Form, in particular those responses which do not contain sufficient information to permit a proper evaluation to be conducted, may be excluded from the response process without further consideration at DNSW’s discretion.
Expressions of Interest 2027 Food Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney is the culinary capital of Australia, and Vivid Sydney is proud to celebrate this, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience what makes our food scene so special. From hatted chefs, world-class restaurants, small local authentic eateries and the incredible NSW producers and suppliers, we want to showcase how delicious and diverse our cuisine is on this global festival stage (or table).
Vivid Food invites chefs, producers, restaurateurs, hospitality creatives and event companies to create food focused events and activations that are creative, innovative and encourage visitation to CBD restaurants and venues. Vivid Food events should actively promote the night-time economy and provide memorable and world-class experiences for our audiences.
We are looking for concepts that celebrate Sydney and NSW food in original and dynamic ways. We encourage events that incorporate other elements of the festival such as Light, Music or Minds; food experiences that truly engage with audiences through creativity, immersion and interactivity.
Vivid Food is all about innovative food experiences that are unique to Vivid Sydney, showcase the quality of NSW producers and suppliers and celebrate our world-renowned and diverse food culture. Events must be exclusive to Vivid Sydney.
Applications are open to any individual, business or organisation interested in producing or collaborating on an event in the Vivid Food program that is aligned to the Vivid Food selection criteria. You will need to hold an ABN (Australian Business Number) or international equivalent to enter into an agreement with Destination NSW (the owner and manager of Vivid Sydney).
Vivid Food boasts a prestigious and tightly curated program of experiences, events and activations. Events must be able to take place in Sydney during the festival period - Friday 28 May – Saturday 19 June 2027
If you are applying as a group of individuals, one member must be nominated to sign and manage the agreement for the event.
Applicants must meet the following pre-requisites prior to submitting an Expression of Interest for Vivid Food 2027:
- The applicant must be a registered business (hold an ABN, ACN or international equivalent).
- The proposed event must not be a sales pitch or promotional tool for your business, products, or services.
- The event must take place in Sydney during the festival period and must be ready to announce as part of the Vivid Sydney Program Launch in March 2027, with event concept, collateral (images and event copy) and speakers confirmed and provided to Vivid Sydney by Monday 11 January 2027. The applicant must be prepared and able to enter into a contract with Destination NSW (Destination NSW owns, manages and produces the festival) for the duration of the event, which includes holding all relevant licenses, insurances and approvals.
- The event must be related to the culinary industries of Sydney and/or NSW and demonstrate innovation in the food sector.
- The applicant must hold or be willing to take out public liability insurance to the value of $20 million for the duration of their event.
- Applicants must ensure that all public liability purchased internationally is valid worldwide, preferably with the interests of Destination NSW noted.
- All sessions must be exclusive to Vivid Sydney (in the 3 months lead up to and during the festival period) and we welcome pilot projects. We can discuss this in more detail during the shortlist process.
We are looking for concepts that celebrate Sydney and NSW food and wine in original and dynamic ways, incorporate other elements of Vivid Sydney such as Light, Music or Ideas and truly engage with audiences through creativity, immersion and interactivity. Vivid Food is all about innovative food experiences that are unique to Vivid Sydney, of the highest quality and that celebrate our world-renowned food culture. Sales/business pitches or strategic marketing events that do not align with the above are not the best fit for Vivid Food program.
We are also interested in events which involve direct collaborations with NSW regional food and beverage partners with Sydney based chefs/organisations within the inner city and Sydney foreshore, including:
Inner City precincts
Day time activations
- Darling Harbour
- Martin Place and CBD
- Circular Quay and the Rocks
- Barangaroo
We are looking for exciting, innovative and original concepts for dining and beverage events that will further establish Vivid Food as the national and international benchmark for Food Event.
Applicants can benefit from the following:
- Inclusion in curated program of food and wine activations as part of Australia’s largest and most successful public event.
- Listing of your event on the Vivid Sydney website and inclusion in the Vivid Sydney digital marketing program.
- Networking events with other program participants.
Further support, such as investment in the event, venue or talent may be possible subject to negotiations and conditions and considered on a case-by-case basis.
There is no application cost to enter an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney. In consultation with the curatorial team, fees and investment can be discussed.
Applicants should include the following costs in their application:
- Management Fee
- Venue Hire
- Talent Fees
- Materials/Consumables
- Equipment Hire/Technical Production
- Power
- Waste/Cleaning
- Staffing
- Marketing & PR
- Music
- Travel
- Catering
- Insurance
- Any additional costs
Please refer to the Budget Template with the EOI Form.
At the discretion of Vivid Sydney, some events may be awarded investment for their event or co-developed in partnership with Destination NSW. Budget is not specifically allocated for this investment; however, you may list your budget requirements in your application form for us to discuss with you.
Outside of direct investment, we may be able to assist your event with venue procurement or marketing support.
At the discretion of Vivid Sydney, some large-scale events may be developed via co-investment on a shared-return model. Budget is not specifically allocated for this investment; however, you may list your budget requirements in your application form for us to discuss with you.
Tickets for Vivid Food events will range in price depending on the offer and activation. We suggest keeping price as low as possible to attract a diverse audience.
Destination NSW may enter into a relationship with a third-party ticketing agent with integration into the Vivid Sydney website.
Sponsors may be engaged for your event but must be approved by Destination NSW. Sponsors will only have rights and benefits to your event and will not be able to align themselves with the wider Vivid Food or Vivid Sydney program. There may be restrictions on sponsors in product categories including (but not limited to) alcohol, cause-related marketing, banking, and credit cards, automotive, technology (consumer and business), cleaning and hygiene, immigration, gambling and gaming, adult products or services and political groups or activities.
This Expression of Interest does not cover brand activations or partnership proposals. We suggest contacting our Partnerships team to discuss your proposal.
Applications will be assessed and shortlisted for inclusion in the Vivid Food program by the Vivid Sydney Curatorial Panel, see all Key dates.
Please keep a copy of all submitted material, as this cannot be returned by Vivid Sydney.
The decisions of the Vivid Sydney curatorial panel are final, and no feedback can be given on individual applications.
You will be required to enter a contract with Destination NSW outlining the requirements and responsibilities of both parties during the term. Contracts will be sent out in November 2026. We require event concept, collateral (images and event copy) and any talent to be confirmed by Monday 12 January 2027.
Event collateral will be collected via an online form along with additional event information. Submitted event copy will be edited or re-written by our internal copywriter for consistency across the website. We also require all talent profiles and head shots to be uploaded to our online system once they are confirmed, to assist with marketing your event.
You agree that you will not announce your event prior to the Vivid Sydney media launch in mid-March 2027. An information session will be held before the end of 2025 to meet with event owners and introduce them to the festival.
Applicants must ensure that any personal costs associated with their application are included in their proposed artist fee and it is covered in the cost of presenting the event.
Please see key dates and timelines.
For updates and important information on Vivid Sydney we recommend signing up to the Vivid Sydney newsletter.
We also recommend monitoring www.vividsydney.com and Vivid Sydney social media channels.
This Expression of Interest process is not applicable for industry or corporate hospitality events, brand activations or product launches. Please contact the Vivid Sydney team if you would like to discuss opportunities to align your brand with the festival.
