(Image: Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival)

Melbourne’s annual Indigenous Arts Festival kicks off today, showcasing a range of Indigenous theatre, music, literature, film, cabaret, dance and visual arts.

The opening event tonight at the Melbourne Recital Centre features composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham, who “shares the unique story of her journey to discover her belonging” with Til the Black Lady Sings.

A visual art installation, photographic projection called Culture Love by artist James Henry follows the stories young Indigenous people in modern Australia. It will be at Les Erdi Plaza, Flinders Walk, Northbank each night until the festival’s final night on 16th February.

Jessica Mauboy (Image: ABC)

One of the highlights will be at Federation Square this Saturday night when a who’s who of Indigenous Australian musicians will perform in a free concert. Among the acts will be singing star Jessica Mauboy and two-time Deadly Award winners, the Yung Warriors.

On Sunday afternoon proceedings at Federation Square will be opened with writer and philosopher Archie Roach, who will recount pertinent stories from his life and times.

For more information, or to reserve a place at ticketed events, go to the Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival’s website.