Midweek Minds

The creative industries are undergoing unprecedented transformation, with a range of social, technological, economic and cultural forces changing the way and for whom we make art. Midweek Minds, taking place each Wednesday during Vivid Sydney, will host a series of rapid-fire keynotes that go behind-the-scenes of the artforms at the forefront of change and explore the creative processes of leading designers, photographers, artists, animators and architects.

Each event is anchored by a central theme that defines creativity today and will spotlight international talent alongside more emergent and local voices. With an entry-level ticket price and time before and after the on-stage talks for networking, Midweek Minds aims to foster community and inspire creativity.

Explore the inaugural Midweek Minds line-up below.
 
How can our creative industries find more equitable, ethical ways of working? Hear rapid-fire keynotes from New York architect Dong-Ping Wong, Walkley Award-winning photojournalist Mridula Amind and Lesbian Space Princess filmmakers Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs, followed by a chance to chat at the State Library bar.
 
On June 3, The Engagement Generation has The New Yorker creative director Nicholas Blechman and Australian artists Elliot Ulm and Steffie Yee dissect how to find and maintain audiences in 2026. 
 
Legally Bonded sees American artist and technologist Mindy Seu, Bundjalung painter Shaun Daniel Allen and Australian multi-media artist Jason Phu dive into questions surrounding artistry and AI-generated content, fair use, digital rights and authenticity. 

More collections