Martha Stewart to speak at Sydney’s Vivid festival

Lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart will appear at Vivid Sydney for an exclusive, “in conversation” event next month, the festival has announced.

Stewart, 83, is expected to reflect on her four-decade career, the evolution of her personal brand and the changing face of food, design and home life.

“I have made some wonderful memories travelling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney,” Stewart said in a release provided by Vivid. “The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career. I’m always looking for inspiration when I travel so I’m excited to see what Sydney has to offer.”

Stewart became the first self-made female billionaire in 1999. In 2004, she was found guilty of lying about why she had sold her shares in a biotech company.

She spent five months in prison and the stock price of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia plummeted. More recently, she has paired with American rapper Snoop Dogg to host a cooking show, publish a cookbook and make TikToks.

Her first book, Entertaining, was published in 1982, and she has been a household name since.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “It’s incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year’s theme of Dream more than Martha Stewart.”

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Stewart was a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship, and her inclusion in this year’s festival proved its ability to bring the world’s boldest characters to the Harbour City.