Described as a "psychedelic experience," Brolga: A Queer Koori Wonderland showcases performances from DJs, drag queens and dancers, creating an electrifying and inclusive space.

Curated by proud Wiradjuri man and multidisciplinary artist Joel Bray, Brolga blends ancient traditions with modern queer culture, earning rave reviews as an immersive art party.

"I felt we were missing a First Nations art rave, so I wanted to create a space that celebrated all the awesome Black talent that's out there," he said.

The name Brolga holds deep cultural significance, especially within queer Indigenous communities. Known as the dancing bird, the Brolga appears in stories that celebrate gender fluidity—where characters transform into the bird to transcend traditional roles.

"A party where queer Blackfellas come together to dance - felt like the perfect name for it," Mr Bray said.

At its heart, Brolga celebrates "intergenerational triumph"—a concept Mr Bray emphasises as central to the event. Through dance, laughter, and connection, it highlights the resilience and joy embedded within contemporary Blak culture.

"I think of queer parties as a kind of contemporary corroboree," he said.

While corroborees often carry sacred significance, they were also spaces of joy—filled with song, dance, and opportunities to meet future partners.

Attendees are invited to roam freely, experiencing Brolga as both a dance party and an artistic journey inspired by First Nations stories of the dancing Brolga.

The interactive party also considers neurodivergent people, offering spaces for those who may not want to dance on the floor the entire time. If dancing isn't your vibe, grab a bean bag and unwind with some queer Blak cinema, get creative at the arts and crafts station by making a Brolga-inspired mask or wings to wear on the dance floor, or cosy up for a bedtime story.

"For our neurodivergent friends, if you need a bit of quiet, we've got that space available so you can reduce the stimulation before heading back out again. We have places where you can sit, make crafts, or just have a yarn if your social battery runs low," he added.

The event shines a spotlight on queer First Nations talent, supported by performers of colour. With the night kicking off with performance four dancers, two of whom are Indigenous.

"We've got three DJs—two of them are Blackfellas—and Sydney drag queens Josie Baker and Felicia Fox," Mr Bray said.

The event debuted to critical acclaim at Melbourne Fringe 2023 and quickly established itself as a standout on the Australian arts scene. Now, for one night only, Brolga returns for the 2024 Liveworks Festival in Sydney, transforming every corner of Carriageworks into a kaleidoscopic playground of performance and art.

Mr Bray's fascination with space ensures each edition of Brolga feels fresh and unique. The Melbourne version, held in an old industrial building, invited attendees to explore hidden rooms and winding paths.

"It's almost like a treasure map," he said.

"You can be on the dance floor, but you can also go off and find some cinema, make crafts, or discover an artist hidden somewhere."

When Brolga moved to the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, it adapted to a sleek, modern space. Now, at Carriageworks, it promises new adventures within a monumental concrete setting.

As a multidisciplinary artist, Bray's work also explores the experiences of fair-skinned Aboriginal people and contemporary gay men, addressing themes of identity, isolation, and connection. He acknowledges the challenges of living in an increasingly digital world:

"We've got so much content at home, but we're often consuming it alone. Brolga creates live encounters where people can gather, dance, and meet face-to-face."

With successful shows in Melbourne and Canberra, Brolga now heads to Sydney. Reflecting on the Melbourne edition, Mr Bray said Brolga is like his dream party.

"Heaps of Blackfellas came up to me on the dance floor saying, 'Brother, thank you so much. We really needed this right now.'"

Brolga: A Queer Koori Wonderland is an 18+ event and will be held on Saturday, 26 October.