Young Onez festival: connecting First Nations youth through creativity

Young Onez festival is coming to Melbourne’s CBD between April 5 and 7, providing an opportunity for First Nations youth to come together and connect through creativity.

Designed for mob between 13 and 30 years old, Young Onez is a free, three-day youth summit that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to celebrate music, fashion, culture, and visual art.

Presented by Yirramboi and VicHealth, the festival will take place in the heart of the CBD at narrm ngarrgu Library in Queen Victoria Market (QVM).

“This is a unique, one-of-a-kind festival that brings the best of Indigenous music, fashion and visual art together,” the City of Melbourne’s creative portfolio lead Cr Jamal Hakim said.

The festivities commence with a mob-only mixer on April 5, hosted by 2 Joocee and Kimmie Lovegrove.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with fellow participants and be mentored by leading local artists such as Blak Wattle, Madi Colville Walker, Iluka Sax-Williams, and more.

April 6 will be filled with engaging workshops led by these talented First Nations creatives, offering participants hands-on experience in a range of creative practices.

Young Onez will conclude on April 7 with a music festival open for all to enjoy, featuring live performances from Djirri Djirris, Jada Weazel, Yambra and a surprise guest.

As part of VicHealth’s Future Reset initiative, Young Onez Festival provides a crucial platform for young First Nations individuals to connect, engage, and thrive within their local artistic community.

“Held at the magnificent narrm ngarrgu Library, the City of Melbourne is proud to support this event and encourages young people and also those with a passion for creative flair to get along to an unmissable three days,” Cr Hakim said.