12 Mar 2025
SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL x VIVID SYDNEY 2025 LITERARY EVENTS
Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF, 19-27 May) and Vivid Sydney (23 May-14 June), today announce three significant literary events, part of Vivid Sydney’s Ideas program: Dreams of The Future, Why We Sleep, featuring Professor Matthew Walker, and Firetalk.
Sydney Writers’ Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop said, “Torrey Peters – the first openly trans woman nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, author Sisonke Msimang - a South African writer, activist and political analyst, Ziggy Ramo – fearless rapper and activist whose work explores First Nations identity, Anjali Sharma – a steadfast environmental champion, and others, will present a trailblazing discussion on literature’s power to pioneer change in Dreams of The Future.”
“Professor Matthew Walker – the neuroscientist dubbed ‘the world’s number one sleep expert’ – and award-winning journalist Sana Qadar – will debate landmark thinking on the science of sleep and how it can improve learning, mood, energy, and longevity,” she said.
“And set against the flickering glow of the Bon(d)fire Vivid Light installation at Barangaroo Reserve, Wiradjuri poet and activist Jazz Money alongside other First Nations writers, poets, and songwriters, invite audiences to a free open-air storytelling event, that’s guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind,” said Mossop.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini said, "Vivid Sydney stands as Australia's largest festival and premier showcase of our creative industries. Our partnership with Sydney Writers' Festival beautifully amplifies our 2025 theme of 'Dream' through these thought-provoking literary events.”
“This is exactly what makes Vivid Sydney so special, it draws people into shared experiences, creating extraordinary moments where culture, innovation, and community converge.”
“By partnering with leading cultural festivals like Sydney Writers' Festival, we're able to enrich the festival experience and connect with audiences in meaningful new ways."
Events:
- Dreams of The Future | May 24, 8 pm – 9:15 pm | Sydney Town Hall | Price: $30 - $60
- Why We Sleep, featuring Professor Matthew Walker | May 27, 6 pm – 7:15 pm | Sydney Town Hall | Price: $30 - $65
- Firetalk | May 28, June 4, June 11 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Walumil Lawns, Barrangaroo | Free, tickets unreserved
The Sydney Writers' Festival program is announced on Thursday 13 March 2025. Audiences are encouraged to sign up to the SWF eNews for exclusive presale ticket access. Visit swf.org.au for more information.
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Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Lachlan Camilleri, Publicity Lead
E: lachlan@originalspin.com.au M: 0426 744 063
Amber Forrest-Bisley, Senior Publicity Advisor
E: amber@originalspin.com.au M: 0405 363 817
Vivid Sydney Media Enquiries
***Sydney Writers’ Festival Press Pack and Images Available HERE
EDITOR’S NOTES
ABOUT SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
From Monday 19 to Tuesday 27 May 2025, the 28th Sydney Writers’ Festival brings together some of the world’s most exciting literary voices for a week of insightful discussions, thought-provoking ideas, and unforgettable storytelling. The Festival features a dynamic program of in-person and livestreamed events, including author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and special events across Sydney.
For more information, visit swf.org.au.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food will inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange through the theme of ‘Vivid Sydney, Dream’. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation. For more information, visit vividsydney.com.