Welcome to Darling Heart Designs

BEN GRAETZ was born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory (Larrakia Country) and has cultural ties to Malak Malak, Kungarakan, Muran Clan (Iwaidja) & Torres Strait Islands (Badu Island). Ben has been working in the performing arts sector for over 26 years and has established himself as one of this country’s most dynamic and influential arts makers, working as a Performer, Creative Director, Producer, Programmer, Writer, DJ, MC and Director.

Ben has a very strong knowledge of the arts in Australia, with extensive experience working in this space, and very strong networks in community, government and corporate arenas. He has aleading role in this arts sector nationally contributing to many of the key organisations including the Australia Council for the Arts and Theatre Network Australia. He also has strong international networks and relationships with artists, companies and organisations such as WAA(Western Arts Alliance, USA), ISPA (International Society of Performing Arts), IPAA (IndigenousPerforming Arts Alliance, Canada), Talking Stick Festival Vancouver, CAPACOA (Canadian ArtsPresenting Association), PS122, PUSH festival, Canadian Stage, the NAC (National Arts Centre,Canada), CINARS (CANADA), Native Earth (Toronto).

Ben is the Founder of BRG Productions which is a 100% owned and run Blak Business working in the creative sector. He is also the Co-Director of Party Passport, company that creates, runs and produces events that celebrate diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on First Nations LGBTQIA+ Brotherboy & Sistergirl communities.

He has a reputation for excellence, from his ability to work collaboratively with artists and communities to his role in developing the sector into the future. He has strong leadership skills and an ability to form deep relationships based on trust and positive outcomes.

Most recently Ben was the Co - Festival Creative Director of Sydney World Pride 2023 and is currently the Creative Director for Garrmalang Festival, the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA), National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) and is a co-curator for Sugarbag Festival.

One of Ben’s career highlights is starting Darwin’s first ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander multi-arts major festival - GARRMALANG - while working at the Darwin Entertainment as their Creative Producer. The festival worked with Larrakia Nation and surrounding communities to create a 3-day long festival which celebrates first nation arts and culture both Territory and nationwide.

Ben has also been on the Board of Theatre Network Australia and was one of only 5 people selected nationally to travel to the USA for 4 years to be a part of the International arts conference ISPA (International Society of Performing Arts) held in New York in January each year.

Ben is passionate about the performing arts sector in Australia and the Northern Territory, particularly around First Nation and LGBTQIA+SB arts, culture & advocacy. Ben is not only a dynamic creative but also one of the country's most exciting curators.