HerStory Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration showcasing women’s stories through art, performance, and conversation.
HerStory Arts Festival is a dynamic new arts festival on Gadigal Land, created to amplify and celebrate women’s stories—especially those that have been lost to HisStory. Hoping to bring together artists from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and gender identities, this 3-day event aims to ignite conversation, foster creativity, and uplift voices that have long been overlooked.
We’re here to disrupt the narrative and create space for stories that deserve to be heard. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate, and elevate women’s voices through art, performance, dialogue, and connection.
The festival will showcase a rich variety of artistic expressions, including new Australian writing; two incredible plays, poetry and fresh work readings, and music performances, alongside visual art displays. Each piece is designed to provoke thought, inspire action, and reflect the complexity and depth of women's experiences. Whether through the spoken word, dramatic performances, or visual storytelling, there will be something for everyone to engage with and celebrate.
HerStory interest for 2026
We’re already dreaming big for next year’s Herstory Arts Festival in Sydney, and we want you to be part of it. We're actively seeking bold, original ideas from artists of all backgrounds—especially those whose voices have been historically underrepresented. Whether you’re First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, living with disability, or bring a perspective that’s not often centre stage, we want to hear your stories. As the festival grows, so does our commitment to celebrating the full spectrum of experiences that make up our communities. Let’s make Herstory a platform where everyone sees themselves reflected.
HerStory Arts Festival is proudly presented by:
Lost Voices Australia inc. is a dynamic not-for-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of storytelling through creative arts, particularly drama. Primarily focused on amplifying the voices of women lost to HisStory, Lost Voices is committed to uncovering and celebrating untold stories whilst supporting the next generation of creatives. By providing opportunities to create and showcase, Lost Voices wants to empower emerging artists from diverse backgrounds to bring bold, innovative work to life.
Our Team
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![Cate Whittaker]()
Cate Whittaker
Born near the Brontes she gained a BA Hons (LEICS), MA Hons by thesis (SYD.) Attended playwright workshops NSW Writers Centre, National Theatre London, she was offered places at Leeds Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and a part in the National Youth Theatre.
Her play Forgotten (ABC Breakfast), had sell-out audiences Riverside Lennox 2019, 2023, toured Hobart Playhouse, and was endorsed by the Irish Consul General for the Dublin Festival.
Her play, The Lost Voice of Anne Bronte Sydney2020 (SMH “engaging play”), and under her direction Canberra Theatre Centre 2021 (CCC “vigorous piece…fine performances”) was offered a place at the Anne Bronte Bicentenary Haworth UK.
Her play Jane Franklin and the Rajah Quilt 2024 premiered Hobart Theatre Royal (featured ABC National News), then Riverside (SMH “great story”).
She directed her play, Sivvy Plath’s Birthday Present 2024 Loading Dock Darlinghurst 2024 which performed to sellout audiences.
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![Dr. Carmel Bendon]()
Dr. Carmel Bendon
Carmel Bendon is an author, academic and presenter on ‘all things medieval’. She has a PhD in Medieval Literature and a 1st Class Honours in Early English.
Her publications include the influential academic book Mysticism and Space, the prize-winning novel Grasping at Water and the Catholic Media of America Award winning creative non-fiction The Mystics Who Came to Dinner as well as articles, book chapters and encyclopedia entries on subjects that include Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen, Geoffrey Chaucer, Oscar Wilde, and poet Bruce Dawe.
She is a regular speaker at libraries, museums and interest groups throughout Australia, has been enrichment lecturer on the Princess Cruise line, and has regular chat spots on ABC radio nationally.
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![Barbara Gray]()
Barbara Gray
Barbara Gray is an artist from the Northern Illawarra. Painting predominately in mixed media with a strong emphasis on drawing. Exploring mark making with energetic responses, in a contemporary vibrant style. She starts by sketching on location either locally or when travelling.
Barbara is also Involved in her local arts community in many ways including as a facilitator/teacher. She also opens her popular studio during the Northern Illawarra Arts Trail.
She has a diploma in fine arts, has been a finalist in Mosman art prize, Ravenswood Australian Women’s art prize, NSW Parliamentary art prize, Flow National Watercolour and many other art prizes. Her work is held in collections in Australia and overseas.
