🚉 Public Transport Access
State Library of New South Wales Auditorium, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Date: 3 June – 6pm – 7.30pm
Location: State Library of New South Wales Auditorium, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: From $25.00*
Midweek Minds: The Engagement Generation – Nicholas Blechman, Elliot Ulm & Steffie Yee
Step into the fast-moving world of modern creativity, digital culture and online audiences at Midweek Minds: The Engagement Generation, a thought-provoking Vivid Sydney conversation exploring how artists, publishers and creators stay relevant in the age of endless scrolling and constant content consumption.
Taking place on Wednesday 3 June 2026 at the iconic State Library of New South Wales, this special event brings together internationally acclaimed creatives and local digital voices for an evening of discussion, insight and inspiration.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Venue: State Library of New South Wales Auditorium
- Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- Tickets: From $25.00
How Do Creators Hold Our Attention?
In a digital landscape dominated by short-form videos, viral trends, streaming platforms and algorithm-driven engagement, maintaining an audience has become one of the biggest challenges facing today’s creative industries.
Midweek Minds: The Engagement Generation asks an increasingly important question:
How can artists, publishers and creative thinkers sustain attention without sacrificing authenticity?
Through rapid-fire keynote talks and engaging conversations, audiences will hear from creators working across publishing, design, illustration, comedy and digital media as they unpack the realities of building creative careers in the online era.
Featuring Nicholas Blechman – The New Yorker
Appearing exclusively in Australia as part of Vivid Sydney, Nicholas Blechman, creative director of The New Yorker, will explore how one of the world’s most respected and iconic publications continues to evolve in the digital age.
Blechman will discuss:
- How legacy media adapts to changing audience behaviour
- Balancing cultural relevance with editorial integrity
- Maintaining a strong visual identity in fast-moving digital spaces
- The role of creativity in an algorithm-driven world
His session offers rare insight into how a century-old publication remains influential, respected and highly shareable in today’s online media environment.
Australian Creative Voices
Joining Blechman are two dynamic Australian creatives who have built strong digital audiences through originality, humour and visual storytelling.
Elliot Ulm
Sydney-based graphic designer, comedian and internet personality Elliot Ulm has become widely recognised for his sharp satire, instantly recognisable design style and viral online content. Ulm will share insights into building a creative identity in the social media era and navigating the pressure of constant visibility online.
Steffie Yee
Animator and visual artist Steffie Yee brings a unique perspective on storytelling, animation and creative expression in digital spaces. Her work explores identity, humour and visual culture while engaging deeply with online audiences through contemporary art practices.
Networking & Creative Community
Following the talks, audiences are invited to continue the conversation at the Library Bar, where attendees can meet the speakers, connect with fellow creatives and enjoy an informal networking session in one of Sydney’s most iconic cultural venues.
Whether you work in design, media, publishing, marketing, art or digital culture, the evening offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with Sydney’s broader creative community.
Part of the Midweek Minds Series
Midweek Minds is Vivid Sydney’s weekly Wednesday night gathering for the curious, creative and culturally engaged, hosted at the State Library of New South Wales.
The series continues on 10 June with Legally Bonded, featuring American artist and technologist Mindy Seu, Bundjalung painter Shaun Daniel Allen and multimedia artist Jason Phu discussing AI-generated art, digital rights, authenticity and the future of creativity.
An Essential Event for Creatives
Blending publishing, digital culture, social media, design and contemporary art, Midweek Minds: The Engagement Generation is a must-attend Vivid Sydney event for anyone interested in the future of creativity and communication in an always-online world.
This event is presented in partnership with the State Library of New South Wales.
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Little Sydney Lives Exhibition 2025 – Customs House, Sydney | 28 July, 2025 – 30 June, 2026
Little Sydney Lives Exhibition 2025 – Customs House, Sydney | 28 July, 2025 – 30 June, 2026
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