Parrtjima's New Curator for 2027

Meet Jacob Nash: Parrtjima's New Curator for 2027

A new creative chapter is beginning for Parrtjima, with acclaimed First Nations artist, designer and creative director Jacob Nash announced as curator for 2027.

Bringing a wealth of experience, creativity and passion for First Nations storytelling, Jacob will help shape the next chapter of Parrtjima, building on the festival's rich foundations of culture, art and connection to Country.

Returning to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 9 - 18 April 2027, Parrtjima will once again celebrate the world's oldest living cultures through extraordinary art, technology and storytelling, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the 300-million-year-old Tjoritja/MacDonnell Ranges.

A creative storyteller with an extraordinary career

Jacob is no stranger to bringing powerful First Nations stories to life.

With a career spanning theatre, dance, film, public art and large-scale installations, he has helped create some of Australia's most celebrated cultural experiences.

He spent 12 years as Head of Design at Bangarra Dance Theatre, where he designed productions including Dark Emu, Terrain, Bennelong and Wudjang: Not the Past. His work earned him a Helpmann Award for Best Scenic Design in 2018.

More recently, Jacob curated the acclaimed Blak Out First Nations program at Sydney Festival, where he was Creative Artist in Residence from 2022 to 2026. He has also helped transform the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon through spectacular projections for Vivid Sydney.

Through his independent creative practice, Hunt Quietly Studio, Jacob continues to explore the stories of people, culture and Country in exciting and innovative ways.

Now, he's bringing that creative vision to the heart of Australia.

Looking ahead to Parrtjima 2027

For Jacob, Parrtjima presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal culture and storytelling in one of Australia's most extraordinary landscapes.

Working closely with the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group (PFRG), Jacob will help shape the festival's creative direction, bringing together ideas and artistic innovation while ensuring Parrtjima remains grounded in the cultural knowledge, stories and traditions of the local Arrernte people.

"There's nowhere else in Australia where culture, Country and light come together like they do at Parrtjima. I'm so excited to be curating the 2027 festival. Working alongside the Arrernte community and First Nations artists from across the country, we're going to bring the stories of this Country to life in the heart of Australia. I can't wait to get started."

His appointment comes at an exciting time for the Red Centre, with the region's immersive art scene recently recognised among Lonely Planet's World's Top 25 Experiences in Best in Travel 2027, including Parrtjima as one of its must-see cultural attractions.

Save the dates: 9–18 April 2027

With a new curator helping shape what's to come, Parrtjima 2027 promises another unforgettable celebration of Aboriginal art, culture and storytelling.

The festival is free to attend, with more exciting program announcements and registration details coming soon.

Sign up to the Parrtjima newsletter to be among the first to discover what's in store for 2027.