About Us
Our Story
The journey of bringing Australia's rich cultural tapestry to life
Australian Festivals began as a grassroots initiative in 2005 when a small group of cultural enthusiasts, led by our founder Emma Clarke, organized a modest celebration of Aboriginal arts in a Brisbane park. What started as a one-day event with just 200 attendees has evolved into Australia's premier festival organization, now hosting and supporting over 40 cultural celebrations annually across the country.
In our early years, we faced numerous challenges – from unpredictable weather disrupting outdoor events to securing funding for culturally significant but commercially risky festivals. However, our perseverance and commitment to authentic representation of Australia's diverse communities helped us build strong relationships with Indigenous elders, immigrant community leaders, government bodies, and corporate sponsors.
By 2010, we had expanded to curate events in Sydney and Melbourne, and in 2015, we established our permanent headquarters in Brisbane's cultural district. Today, Australian Festivals employs a team of 28 dedicated professionals and works with over 200 freelance specialists and 500+ volunteers annually to deliver world-class celebrations that honor Australia's multicultural identity while driving tourism and local economies.
Our Mission & Values
Guiding principles that define our work
Mission Statement
To celebrate, preserve and elevate Australia's diverse cultural heritage through immersive festival experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire connection across communities.
Our Core Values
Cultural Authenticity
We ensure genuine representation and respectful celebration of all cultures, working directly with community leaders and cultural consultants.
Sustainability
We are committed to environmentally responsible event management, minimizing waste and carbon footprint across all our festivals.
Inclusivity
We design experiences that are accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Innovation
We continually evolve our approach to festival creation, embracing new technologies and formats while honoring traditional elements.
Meet Our Team
The passionate people behind Australian Festivals
Emma Clarke
Founder & CEO
With 20+ years in event management and cultural advocacy, Emma founded Australian Festivals after working with Aboriginal communities in Northern Territory. Her vision has shaped the organization's growth and commitment to authentic cultural representation.
Lachlan Nguyen
Creative Director
Combining his Vietnamese heritage with his Australian upbringing, Lachlan brings unique perspective to festival design. With a background in visual arts and theater production, he has created signature aesthetics for our major events since 2012.
Jade Williams
Indigenous Programs Manager
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Jade ensures authentic representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in our events. Her background in cultural anthropology and community development has strengthened our relationships with Indigenous communities nationwide.
Hamish O'Connor
Operations Director
Former logistics officer for international music tours, Hamish oversees the complex operational aspects of our festivals. His expertise in venue management, safety protocols, and team coordination ensures smooth execution of events from preparation to cleanup.
Our Achievements
Milestones that mark our journey
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Excellence in Cultural Tourism Award (2022)
Recognized by Tourism Australia for outstanding contribution to cultural tourism through our Indigenous Music Festival series.
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Over 5 Million Attendees
Our festivals have collectively welcomed more than 5 million visitors since our founding, contributing significantly to local economies.
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Sustainability Leadership Award (2021)
Recognized for pioneering zero-waste initiatives and reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale cultural events by 65%.
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Community Impact
Our festivals have generated over $12 million in direct income for Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners over the past decade.
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Digital Innovation Award (2020)
Awarded for our virtual festival platform that maintained cultural connections during pandemic restrictions.
What People Say
Feedback from our partners and festival attendees
Australian Festivals transformed our community's cultural celebration from a small local event to a nationally recognized festival that preserves our traditions while creating economic opportunities for our artisans and performers. Their respect for cultural authenticity and attention to detail is unmatched.
Elena Papas
President, Hellenic Cultural Association of Queensland
Working with Australian Festivals on our corporate sponsorship program has been incredibly rewarding. Their team delivers exceptional value through thoughtful brand integration that feels natural within cultural contexts. The positive community response and media coverage have exceeded our expectations year after year.
Michael Thornton
Community Engagement Director, Queensland Bank
As an Indigenous artist, I've participated in many cultural events, but Australian Festivals stands apart in their genuine commitment to proper cultural protocols and fair compensation for artists. They've created platforms where traditional practices can be shared with dignity and respect, creating meaningful connections between cultures.
David Tjapaltjarri
Traditional Artist & Cultural Educator
Join Us in Celebrating Australia's Cultural Diversity
Whether you're interested in attending our events, becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or cultural contributor, we'd love to hear from you.