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Blak Arts and Biz Fest 2026

BLAK Arts and Business Festival

A celebration of Indigenous entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

Join us on Thursday 15 October 2026 from 10.00 am—2.00 pm at The Great Court for the BLAK Arts and Business Festival, a collaboration between the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), Indigenous Business Hub and UQ Ventures

Building on the spirit of Indigenous Business Month, the Festival will showcase innovation, excellence, economic independence and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and business leaders. Through a dynamic program featuring artists, performers, retailers, vendors, and more, this event aims to inspire the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs while highlighting the vital role that Indigenous business and creative practice play in strengthening culture, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable economic futures.

Design the festival artwork

To help bring the BLAK Arts and Business Festival to life and showcase our students' creativity and talent, we’re calling on all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UQ to design the festival's official artwork. 

We are looking for entries that capture the spirit of the festival, as a celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship.

The winning design will feature across digital, print, and event merchandise.

Full details are available in the Competition Terms & Conditions

BLAK Arts competition

2026 program


Book signing 2025

Artists and artisans

Discover original works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and makers, from contemporary art and written works to handcrafted jewellery, textiles, ceramics and cultural pieces. Meet the creatives behind the work and take home something truly unique.
Jas Adams 2025

Performers and presenters

Experience live music, dance, storytelling and thought-provoking talks from established and emerging Blak voices. Be inspired by performances and presentations that celebrate culture, creativity, community, and showcase the innovation and enterprise driving Indigenous futures.
Clothing stalls

Retailers and vendors

Browse a diverse marketplace of locally made goods, fashion, homewares and delicious food offerings. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and enjoy a rich mix of products, flavours and services throughout the festival.

Stallholders

 

Avid Reader logo

Avid Reader

Avid Reader is an award-winning independent bookstore located in West End, Brisbane.
Bebe Lena's Kaikai logo

Bebe Lena's Kitchen

Torres Strait Islander and Malaysian fusion food.

Black Hart logo

Black Hart Madiwah

Handmade fashion accessories, statement earrings and jewellery.

Cassandra in chains logo

Cassandra in Chains

Chain maille creations, including jewellery, keychains, ornaments and more.

Charm Ya

Charm Ya

Footwear and accessories that Charm Ya!

Cockatoo Collins Studio logo

Cockatoo Collins

Art, clothing, accessories and stationery.

Dice Renascent logo

Dice Renascent

A proudly Indigenous-owned construction company

Dreamtime Artistry logo

Dreamtime Artistry

Authentic local Indigenous arts and gifts market stall.

fr&nk logo

fr&nk Capability Leaders

First Nations-owned health and safety consultancy

Gamilaraay Gulay logo

Gamilaraay Gulay

Traditional handmade woven art and jewellery.

Good Throw Co logo

Good Throw Co

Indigenous art collab throws, swimwear, prints & phone cases 

'A Guidance Through Time' by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow

Green Frog Vending

Unique digital vending machines with Indigenous artwork wraps

Heart to Harvest logo

Heart to Harvest

First Nations corporate catering

Helen Rose logo

Helen Rose

Native Skincare and Wellness Products

Indigibee logo

Indigibee

Upcycled or handmade goods (Jewellery, Bees wax wraps, etc.)

Indigenous Business Australia

Indigenous Business Australia

Business support and home loan services.

Jinnies Island Kitchen

Jinnies Island kaikai

Traditional Island food.

Kelly Rae Designs logo

Kelly Rae Designs

Hand-painted jewellery

Kulture logo

Kulture Enterprises

Indigenous merchandise

Mabaigal Indigenous cultural Services

Mabaigal Indigenous Cultural Services

Torres Strait Islander weaving workshops.

madji logo

Madji Indigenous Furniture

Indigenous furniture made to create connection

Muralappi Arts

Muralappi Arts

Aboriginal artefacts, bags, purses and paintings.

Murawin logo

Murawin

Weaving Products - earrings and weaving kits

Murrorong Aboriginal Jewellery logo

Murrorong Aboriginal Jewellery

Handcrafted jewellery celebrating Aboriginal colours and culture

'A Guidance Through Time' by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow

Narrunga Arts by Patrice

Artworks

Olivia's Crystals and Jewellery cover photo

Olivia's Crystals and Jewellery

Crystals and handmade jewellery.

Pikanini Pals

Pikanini Pals

Baby swaddles, soothers & babywear

planzzaustralia_logo

PLANZZ

First Nations-led advisory and procurement firm

QIBN_Logo

Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN)

State-wide representative body for Indigenous businesses in Queensland

Red Sands Sisters logo

Red Sand Sisters

Handmade traditional Aboriginal weaving, paintings, Indigenous print clothing and accessories

Tribal Tech

Tribal Tech

Mobile phone cases.

Triple A Radio logo

Triple A Radio

Excellence in First Nations media

Tuff Yards logo

Tuff Yards

Indigenous-owned, family operated outdoor construction business.

'A Guidance Through Time' by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow

Uncle Johns Arts and Crafts

Jewellery, hand-woven baskets and hats.

Wild barra logo

Wild Barra

Artworks, textiles, fragrances and more.

Wollumbin Dreaming

Wollumbin Dreaming

Connection to Country in every creation

Yalburu Weaving

Yalburu Weaving

Handmade woven earrings and baskets

Yamagigu

Yamagigu Consulting

First Nations expertise coupled with Deloitte’s global professional services.

Yilay logo

Yilay

First Nations custom apparel and merchandise

Contact

For more information, please email Indigenousengagementevents@uq.edu.au.