About YIRRAMBOI

Statement from Co-leads, Sherene Stewart (Taungurung/Filipino) and J-Maine Beezley (Wakka Wakka/Kabi Kabi)

Gifted by our Elders, YIRRAMBOI means tomorrow in the local languages of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples. We acknowledge them as the Custodians of the lands in which we thrive, we pay our deepest respects to their Ancestors and Elders who have held their songlines through these lands for over 80,000 years. As visitors, we abide by Bunjil's lore and take responsibility in caring for country, waterways and bubups, our children, our future.

As Co-Leads we are honoured to have inherited the legacy of YIRRAMBOI and to be trusted as the care takers of such a powerful platform. YIRRAMBOI may be perceived as a young festival, taking its opening bow in 2017, however, the spirit of the festival comes from 4,000 generations of cultural knowledge and over 230 years of resilience.

Deeply rooted in purpose, YIRRAMBOI platforms expressions of culture, identity, unity and truth through evolutionary and experimental practices, breaking away from preconceived ideas of First Nations 'art'. YIRRAMBOI provides a stage for First Nations voices to be heard, for stories to reverberate through generations, to drive change and create a future where First Peoples are rightly celebrated.

As a critically acclaimed international arts festival, YIRRAMBOI possesses the power to the lead the arts industry into a new TOMORROW.

Change is here.

YIRRAMBOI returns 1-11 May 2025