First Nations social enterprise, We Are Warriors (WAW), in collaboration with Powerhouse and creative innovation studio R/GA, have announced the return of the Blak Powerhouse event in 2024.

The event, which will take place at Powerhouse Ultimo, is set to feature a vibrant mix of live music, dance, performance, art, food, and discussion.

The 2024 event will showcase work from artists such as Shal, Michael Cook, and Tjukurpamaru, and will include a screening of the 2024 documentary 'Through the Fire'. The line-up also features performances from First Nations artists Maanyung, Mi-kaisha, RONA., Miss Kaninna, Becca Hatch, 3%, JK-47, and surprise special guests.

A new feature this year will be a social activation allowing individuals to send heartfelt messages to their loved ones via a QR code. This innovation is a testament to the event's commitment to fostering connection and community.

In 2023, Blak Powerhouse attracted more than 3,000 attendees, marking it as one of the largest nighttime attendances in Powerhouse history. The event is the result of a 3.5-year partnership between Yuin artist, producer, and radio host Nooky and R/GA, which led to the creation of We Are Warriors.

"Last year we put on Blak Powerhouse and the sense of blak joy we created was so overwhelming for me, and I know all the mob who attended felt the same. There was so much power and resilience in the day for me it changed how I felt about January 26. If we can capture that same feeling this time around, in my eyes it’s a win," said We Are Warriors founder Nooky.

R/GA VP, Executive Creative Director, Brand Design & Consulting APAC Ben Miles, said Australia is so clearly still a very divided country.

"On a day that's so polarising, we wanted to take control of the narrative, put a spotlight on Blak excellence and tell Indigenous communities they are loved, they are seen. They are heard. That they are warriors," he said. "There’s a long way to go, and Blak Powerhouse is a bold move and an invitation for First Nation Peoples, Allies and advocates to come together and be part of a Blak Future."

The event will commence at 5pm on January 26 with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the Powerhouse Ultimo forecourt, followed by a Muggera dance performance.