The University of Sydney is proud to announce the appointment of Daniel Browning, a highly respected and award-winning Bundjalung and Kullilli writer, journalist, and broadcaster, as the inaugural Professor of Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries within the School of Art, Communication and English (SACE).
This landmark position has been established in consultation with senior Indigenous leaders across the University – including Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services; Professor Jennifer Barrett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous (Academic); and Professor Jakelin Troy, Director, Indigenous Research – and directly supports the priorities of the University’s One Sydney, Many People strategy.
Daniel Browning brings over three decades of leadership and experience in the First Nations cultural sector. Widely known for his role as producer and presenter of Awaye!, ABC Radio National’s flagship Indigenous arts and culture program, and for leading the Indigenous Radio Unit, he currently hosts The Art Show and Arts in 30. Throughout his career at the ABC, Daniel has fostered deep engagement with communities and organisations across Australia, shaping and leading national conversations around Indigenous cultural expression and creativity Daniel is also a creative producer himself.
Anthologised in his first book Close to the Subject: Selected Works, Daniel’s substantial body of work as a writer and cultural critic earned him both the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction and the Indigenous Writing Prize at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, with the judges hailing it as an outstanding contribution to the field of arts journalism.
We are thrilled to welcome Daniel to this role. His lived experience, deep community connections, and cultural leadership will be invaluable as we work towards meaningful and transformative engagement with First Nations knowledge systems.
Professor Alan McKee
Working across multiple disciplines
As Professor of Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries, Daniel will work across all disciplines within SACE to lead Indigenous-led research, strengthen community partnerships, and embed First Nations knowledge and priorities into curricula and creative practice. He will also work closely with University and Faculty leadership to shape strategic projects, including developing an Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property strategy and a First Nations creative plan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel to this role,” said Professor Alan McKee, Head of School of Art, Communication and English. “His lived experience, deep community connections, and cultural leadership will be invaluable as we work towards meaningful and transformative engagement with First Nations knowledge systems.”
This appointment reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous sovereignty and cultural renewal, placing First Nations voices at the centre of creative and academic life.