As the lights lower on January, I’d like to extend heartfelt appreciation to every single artist from here and afar who gathered and shared bold conversations this summer. 

Our 49th edition took place in theatres, parks, galleries, a courthouse, hidden gardens, a town hall and by the shoreline. 

Right across the Sydney Basin we continued the ancient tradition of storytelling in a myriad of ways. There was hope, unity, love and resistance – we danced, laughed, gasped, cried and felt every emotion in between. 

The program explored “birth, destiny and what we leave behind” through to honouring Country, people and spirit. Tongan-born visual artist Telly Tuita juxtaposed Sydney’s hedonism with our place in Oceania, while this year’s Blak Out line-up spoke powerfully to First Nations truths. 

Sydney Festival’s dedicated hub at Walsh Bay successfully returned with The Thirsty Mile, a mischievous nod to Hickson Road’s maritime history and what we’re thirsty to see change. 

Across 23 days we welcomed 134 events, 26 world premieres, 28 Australian exclusives, 40 locations and over 50 free events, including more than 12 nights of free live music. 

None of this would be possible without YOU our audience and all of our supporters. Not to mention the incredible team of passionate Sydney Festival staff and volunteers with whom it's an honour to walk beside. 

Sincere thanks to our Principal Partners the NSW Government, through Create NSW and Destination NSW, the City of Sydney, the City of Parramatta and all of our Corporate Sponsors. Deep gratitude to our Principal Philanthropic Supporter Peter Freedman AM and all of our private supporters. 

To sign off my fourth and final Sydney Festival, I assure you there is nowhere else like Sydney to experience an exhilarating summer of art – on what always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 

Olivia xo