This year’s festival has an unmissable lineup of events and performances celebrating diversity and sparking bold conversations that matter about equity, inclusion and belonging. The 2026 program has now launched and is available online.
Following a record-breaking 2025 festival, which welcomed more than 16,000 attendees across more than 100 experiences, the 2026 festival returns from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September. A packed program of free events, performances, workshops, installations and film screenings will celebrate the strength and diversity of our UNSW community – and the role each of us plays in shaping it.
Across the week, UNSW comes alive with opportunities to share perspectives, learn and enjoy being part of something bigger. It’s a chance to explore new ideas, take part and have some fun along the way.
So, bring an open mind and be part of a community strengthened by how we show up for each other.
“The festival is a time to deepen our understanding, and inspire connections for positive societal transformation,” said Professor Bruce Watson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Societal Transformation & Equity.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our communities forge new, shared stories and ideas that lead to meaningful progress for all.”
A community-powered program
A record number of grant applications from across the University have helped shape the student and staff-led events, reflecting the UNSW community’s strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Festival highlights
From immersive music-making and cultural performances to conversations about disability, education and Indigenous knowledge, here are some of the events set to bring the festival to life.
Inclusive Music-Making Through Body Movement and Vibration
Experience music in a different way through movement, vibration and sound.
Using AirSticks – motion-based instruments developed by Dr Alon Ilsar – participants can create and experience music through body movement, vibration and audio feedback. Guided, low-pressure improvisation sessions will make the experience accessible to people with or without musical experience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Join individually, with friends or simply observe before taking part. No musical background, hearing ability or prior experience is required.
The event draws on ongoing Human Computer Interaction research at UNSW and has been co-designed with lived experience of being deaf at its core.
Do Disabled People Really Belong In Our Community?
As cuts to NDIS funding are debated nationally, former Disability Commissioner Professor Alastair McEwin hosts a panel exploring belonging and disability at a time of significant change to the disability landscape. The panel includes Megan Spindler-Smith Acting CEO of People with Disability Australia (PWDA).
The discussion will examine the implications of changes to the NDIS and the 2026 Federal Budget, including what they may mean for disabled people’s inclusion of inclusion and belonging in the community.
Come along for an insightful panel discussion and stay for afternoon tea and to connect with other members of the community.
UNSW First Nations Research Showcase
Discover innovative First Nations-led research underway across UNSW.
Researchers from the Centre for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF), the Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group (ILJ) and Nura Gili will deliver six 10-minute lightning presentations showcasing current research and creating opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and meet presenters over a light lunch.
The event is organised by the UNSW Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures, the UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group and Nura Gili: Centre for Indigenous Programs.
Bridging the Education Divide: Building Teacher Training That Works for All
Join representatives from the NSW Department of Education, universities, schools and student communities for a timely exploration of how teacher education and professional learning can better meet the needs of diverse communities across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia.
Bridging the Education Divide: Building Teacher Training That Works for All will be a high-level panel discussion exploring how universities, government education departments, schools and teachers can work together to strengthen sustained, co-designed teacher professional learning for STEM education across NSW.
This event is for anyone interested in the future of STEM education, teacher capability, equity of access and the school-to-university pipeline.
Disability-led film screening of Deaf President Now!
Experience the story behind one of the most significant disability rights movements in modern history. Deaf President Now! celebrates the student campaign that transformed a university and helped reshape disability rights around the world.
Join us for a free screening, followed by powerful conversations with d/Deaf, disabled and ally voices from film, academia and the broader disability community, exploring leadership, representation and the ongoing pursuit of equity. Each screening concludes with food and informal conversation in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Our Voices, Our Community
An uplifting celebration of music, culture, and community. This interactive event brings people together through live performances and inclusive group singing to foster belonging, wellbeing and meaningful social connection. By creating a welcoming space where everyone can participate - regardless of musical experience - it celebrates the diverse voices of the UNSW community while inspiring connection, self-expression, and collective joy.
Two segments in the event are Voices of Many and The Big Sing - Louder Together. Voices of Many includes live performances from diverse cultural groups from the UNSW community. The Big Sing - Louder Together is an opportunity to join in a shared informal singing experience to sing, laugh and connect!
Global Village Cultural Showcase
Celebrate the cultures that make up the UNSW community with live music, performances, stalls, activities and food trucks at the inaugural Global Village Cultural Showcase.
You can also come and strut your stuff on the red carpet, get a professional photo and feature on our big We Belong digital billboard showing the diversity of our UNSW community.
Tuesday 22 September | Alumni West Lawn
See the full program
Discover what’s on at Diversity Festival 2026, invite your colleagues, friends and family, and explore the full program.
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