This year, Vivid Sydney welcomes brilliant new Ideas and Special Events Curator, Mitchell Oakley Smith.  

A dream fit for our 2025 theme, Mitchell brings his extensive experience as the former Executive Creative Director of creativity and design festival Semi Permanent and Editor-in-Chief of Esquire magazine to reimagine how we experience ideas at Vivid Sydney. 

Under his curatorial vision, the 2025 Vivid Ideas program will move beyond lecture theatres, exploring new frontiers of performance, immersive screenings, exhibitions and more. 

Here, Mitchell shares his top five Vivid Ideas picks – unmissable experiences that promise to spark curiosity, ignite conversation and push creative boundaries. 

Planet City: Live  

What if Earth’s entire population lived in one regenerative megacity, freeing the rest of the planet to rewild? That’s the premise of Planet City, an astonishing speculative film by architect and filmmaker Liam Young. In a world first at Vivid Sydney, the film will be accompanied by a live score from experimental British composer Forest Swords, making for a completely immersive experience. 

According to Mitchell, “this screening promises to be a remarkable and transformative experience. It will change the way you see and interact with the built environment. Don’t miss it.” 

   
Firetalk 

Storytelling by fire has carried the sparks of history, language and ancestral knowledge across the gap of time in First Nations cultures. Firetalk, curated by award-winning Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money, will honour this tradition by bringing together a dynamic group of First Nations writers, poets and songwriters for three nights of storytelling under the stars.  

“Stories of power, rhythm and of the future. This is not only a brilliant evening of poetry, spoken word and conversation, but also a free-to-attend event each Wednesday evening of the festival. Join us by the fire at the Walumil Lawns, Barangaroo.” Mitchell said.   

Where Do Ideas Come From? Creativity Inside TIME's Cover   

TIME magazine Creative Director D.W. Pine has conceptualised over 1,000 covers of what is undoubtedly the world’s most recognisable media brand, bringing attention to some of the most important stories and controversial characters inside the iconic red border every other week.  

“Having spent much of my career in publishing, I’m incredibly excited that D.W. Pine is joining us for his first keynote talk in Southeast Asia to share insights into his creative process.” Mitchell said. 

Don’t miss the chance to peek into the mind of one of the most influential visual storytellers in the world.  

Dreams of the Future: Powerful Stories for Change 

For Mitchell, “one of the first things that came to mind when thinking about the theme of this year’s festival, Dream, is activism. How a dream can inspire us to imagine a different future, a better world.”  

Dreams of the Future: Powerful Stories for Change, presented in partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival, brings together a dynamic group of changemakers and writers in a one-time live reading of original short works. Together, they’ll share a compelling vision for tomorrow, and lay out a hopeful, inspiring vision for Australian society. From musician Ziggy Ramo to climate justice advocate Anjali Sharma, this lineup promises audiences will leave inspired by their passion for advocacy and convinced of our capacity as humans to change the world around us.  

 
Law and Life: Transgender Stories 

The Vivid Ideas program continues to expand to include alternate forms of storytelling beyond talks. In Law and Life: Transgender Stories five trans voices and one life-long ally are brought together for an original new theatre piece that combines storytelling and performance. A night of pageantry, song and personal expression, this alternate Vivid Ideas format will illuminate an important and necessary conversation.  

“Vivid Sydney is a powerful platform and I’m passionate about spotlighting a vast array of different perspectives on important social and cultural issues.”  Mitchell said.