Celebrating Impact and Legacy: Trailblazers transforming Australia’s arts, screen and media landscape
Left to right: Luminas 2026 Arts / Creative Honourees: Rhoda Roberts AO (Leadership), Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Hall of Fame) & William Yang (Storyteller). Luminas 2026 Media Honourees: Lorena Allam (Leadership), Jan Fran (Storyteller) & Majida Abboud-Saab OAM (Hall of Fame).
The Luminas, a new national honours program presented by Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) and Media Diversity Australia (MDA), announced its 2026 honourees, recognising exceptional First Nations and culturally diverse leaders shaping Australia’s cultural and media landscape.
The inaugural Luminas ceremony, held at the iconic Sydney Opera House on 30 April 2026, marks the beginning of a new national tradition of recognition, spotlighting visionary storytellers, changemakers and innovators whose work redefines representation and cultural expression across the nation.
2026 LUMINAS HONOUREES
- STORYTELLER | ARTS/CREATIVE HONOUREE: William Yang
- STORYTELLER | MEDIA HONOUREE: Jan Fran
- LEADERSHIP | ARTS/CREATIVE HONOUREE: Rhoda Roberts AO
- LEADERSHIP | MEDIA HONOUREE: Lorena Allam
- HALL OF FAME | ARTS/CREATIVE HONOUREE: Oodgeroo Noonuccal
- HALL OF FAME | MEDIA HONOUREE: Majida Abboud-Saab OAM
The Luminas is the first national honours program of its kind dedicated to celebrating the contributions of First Nations and culturally diverse leaders across arts, screen and media.
Across three categories, Storyteller, Leadership and Hall of Fame, each honour recognises excellence across the creative industries and media sectors, reflecting the depth and richness of Australia’s diverse cultural life, from bold storytelling to transformative leadership and lifelong achievement.
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) CEO and Executive Producer Lena Nahlous said: “We’re proud to be producing this inaugural event, the first of its kind on this continent. It’s timely and necessary that we recognise and honour First Nations and culturally diverse communities, their labour, creativity and contribution to the arts and media. These are challenging times, and this event creates a moment that is intentionally celebratory, recognising what has been built and who has made it possible.”
Media Diversity Australia (MDA) CEO Paula Kruger added: “The Luminas program shows all First Nations and culturally diverse people in Australian media that we see your work, we know your worth, and we value the way you kindle the potential of those around you. Our honourees today are fine examples of the Luminas spirit, and Media Diversity Australia looks forward to recognising many more of them in the future.”
The Luminas is presented by DARTS and MDA, with funding from the Office for the Arts, and hosted by the Sydney Opera House. Additional sponsors include Hachette Australia, WELD Stories, SBS/NITV and Design Awards. Diversity Arts Australia receives core support from Creative Australia and Create NSW.
Please subscribe to ‘Ask Brett’ – either a nominal fee or free. Use the link below.
Discover more from Ask Brett
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.