The Inner West will shine a spotlight on indigenous and international communities through a dynamic lineup of events between 18 – 20 June.

As part of Sydney Soltice, the Inner West community will listen and learn over an event that celebrates the three I’s – Indigenous, Inner West, and International Communities. There will be over 30 different cultural activations for you to enjoy including panel discussions, art exhibitions, live music, comedy shows, slam poetry, and unique food offerings.

The Third I’s Comedy Festival will kick off the events on Friday 18 June. Five local comedy acts will take over Inner West institutions including Barberchino, Tattoo Movement and P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants for a night of laughs and banter.

Thought-provoking panel discussions will happen inside the iconic Dendy Cinema in Newtown on Saturday 18 June. Learn about diversity in media, multiculturalism in sport, women in leadership and asylum seeker experiences. These discussions will include a mix of speakers such as admired AFL legend Michael O’Loughlin (Sydney Swans), corporate powerhouse Sam Mostyn and talented musicians including Western Sydney’s Barkaa, South-African born rapper Ecca Vandal and Sydney hip hop artist Kobie Dee.

ARTiculate will take place in the Urban Hotel on Saturday. This inspired exhibition features works by an array of artists, but most importantly up and coming Indigenous and asylum seeker artists. These people have come together to share their individual stories through art and you will be moved as each piece highlights a part of their history. All artworks will be available for purchase.

The international food strip, that is Enmore Road, will be reinvigorated through one-off offers at cult institutions such as Cebu Lechon, Little Lagos, Colombo Social and The Duke. There will also be special foodie events like the epic Inner West cook-off, taking place in the Young Henrys courtyard. There is also a series of masterclasses to enjoy, including a Herradura Tequila Masterclass with drinks-industry figurehead Jason Crawley, a Tiki Cocktail Masterclass with Pasan Wijesena from Earl’s Joint, and a Gin Masterclass hosted by distiller and AFL legend Daniel Motlop.The festival will close with a major live music concert at Metro Theatre on Sunday 20 June. The event features an impressive lineup of indigenous and international hip hop and rock artists including  Ziggy Ramo, L-Fresh the Lion, King Stingray, The Merindas, Becca Hatch, Thandi Phoenix and more. All the profits from the closing party will be donated to PlateitForward. This not-for-profit organisation provides food, training and employment opportunities to Sydney’s disadvantaged community members.

Founder of Third I Festival and PlateitForward Shaun Christie-David said, “We are so excited to bring the Third I Festival to life. After seeing the effects of Covid-19 on our Indigenous and asylum seeker communities as well as the hospitality, entertainment and cultural industries, we knew there was a real opportunity to create something special. We invite everyone to experience all the Inner West has to offer, whilst supporting their favourite venues and experiencing the many voices that make up the three ‘I’s across the festival.”

Tickets will be sold for individual experiences throughout the festival, however visitors are encouraged to purchase a Food and Beverage Passport or Cultural Passport which will allow them access to more of the festival experiences at a special price point.

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE