After a few missed years and a pandemic in the midst, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has seemingly been able to consistently offer their flagship Clancestry Festival on an annual basis. The performing arts organisation has confirmed that the event will be returning from 23 July to 10 August 2025, once again celebrating First Nations arts and culture through a program of concerts, workshops, theatre, and family-friendly events – with a focus on being a celebration of identity and connection, while also providing a platform for both established and emerging First Nations artists to share their stories and talents.
Opening the festival will Jane Harrison’s The Visitors, running from 23 to 26 July in the Playhouse Theatre. Directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch and co-produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company, the play imagines a historic moment in January 1788, as seven clan leaders debate whether to resist or welcome the incoming British ships.
On 31 July, the Concert Hall will host Wata: a gathering for songmen, improvising soloists and orchestra. Created by Paul Grabowsky in collaboration with Yolŋu songmen Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred and David Yipininy Wilfred, and performed with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Wata honours the musical traditions of Arnhem Land through a contemporary orchestral lens.
From 1 to 9 August, Bangarra Dance Theatre returns to QPAC with Illume, a new multidisciplinary work exploring Indigenous relationships with light. Directed by Frances Rings with visual design by Darrell Sibosado, the production draws from millennia of cultural expression through light in a blend of dance, music, and visual storytelling.
Another highlight is the collaboration between ARIA Award-winning duo Electric Fields and QSO on 2 August. Fusing traditional inma with soul, pop, and electronica, the performance will showcase the powerful vocals of Zaachariaha Fielding and the musical artistry of Michael Ross in a concert that blends ancient ceremony with contemporary sound.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy, commented on hosting her very first Clancestry event in the organisation’s leadership role, sharing:
Clancestry has long been a signature festival for QPAC that highlights the rich and diverse creativity and performance culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We always look forward to announcing the festival line-up.
QPAC is proud to celebrate this mighty heritage, to recognise those who came before us, and the many First Nations artists and communities that are fundamental to Queensland arts practice
This year’s line-up will wow audiences with some of the most captivating First Nations artists in the country on our main stages. We can’t wait to unveil even more of our free program in the coming months and look forward to welcoming our community to share this celebration of culture.
Meanwhile, Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek praised Clancestry as an essential part of QPAC’s 40th anniversary, sharing:
The Crisafulli Government proudly supports QPAC showcasing extraordinary experiences produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, companies, and communities.
Clancestry will further strengthen Queensland’s cultural calendar as we prepare for the creative employment and cultural tourism opportunities with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QPAC’s free Clancestry program, which will include Mob Music, weaving workshops, face painting, and children’s activities, is set to be revealed in May. Tickets for paid performances are on sale now via the QPAC website, or by calling their box office team during business hours on 136 246.
