My Sydney: Actor and Curator Miah Madden Is a Bondi Girl, but Surry Hills Keeps Catching Her Eye

What were you doing at 24? Even money says your schedule was less packed than Miah Madden’s. The actor-slash-curator-slash-law-student is incredibly busy.

A proud Gadigal and Bundjalung woman, she grew up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs where she still lives today. As a child, she played a younger version of Jessica Mauboy’s character in The Sapphires. A natural in front of the camera, she then went on to present 17 episodes of Play School, before later taking on roles in Disney’s The Clearing and ABC TV series Return to Paradise.

She’s long felt connected to the art world and works as a curator. This year she’s curating and producing the National Indigenous Art Fair, (NIAF) which takes place from July 3 to 5 at The Cutaway in Barangaroo.

As if she wasn’t busy enough, she’s also studying law.

She spoke to Broadsheet about what makes her home town of Sydney so special.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Miah Madden. I’m an actor, curator and law student based in Sydney. I grew up in the eastern suburbs by the beach, which is still home for me today.

What do you love about Sydney?

The beaches, without question. If I have a day off, you will almost always find me somewhere between Bondi and Bronte. I also love the food culture in the eastern beaches. Living in Bondi means I’m constantly surrounded by great options, and it takes real restraint not to eat out for every meal.

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

Ikaria in Bondi is a favourite. The saganaki and lamb shoulder are standouts.

If you had a friend visiting Sydney for the first time, where would you take them?

I would start with a 7am yoga class at Rare Bondi, then head to AP Bakery in Surry Hills for a matcha and a pastry. From there, a walk through Centennial Park if the weather is good, followed by lunch at Chiswick. In the afternoon, I would visit the MCA. At the moment, you can see Tony Albert’s Not a Souvenir there. For dinner, either Baba’s Place in Marrickville or Appizza on Oxford Street for something close to a New York slice. Then back to Bondi for ice-cream at Mapo. That is my ideal Sydney day.

What is your go-to for coffee or a favourite cafe?

I am more of a matcha person. Paramount House and AP Bakery do it best. In Bondi, I love The Bakery on Glenayr. Its almond chocolate croissant is hard to go past.

Where do you like to shop?

Gould Street in Bondi is a go-to. I love Sir, St Agni, Le Labo, Saturdays NYC, and I cannot resist stopping by Oakberry.

What are your favourite galleries or arts spaces in Sydney?

China Heights in Surry Hills is always at the top of my list. It has a consistently strong program. I also enjoy N Smith just across the road, and the Yiribana Gallery at the Art Gallery of NSW is essential.

What are you most excited for people to experience at NIAF?

I am really excited for people to experience our new home at The Cutaway in Barangaroo. It is an incredible space and, with the exhibitions, installations and programming led by participating art centres, it is going to feel expansive and immersive.

Who or what makes Sydney a better place?

My two golden retrievers, Buddy and Bruno. Sydney has some amazing parks, and I have probably been to most of them trying to wear them out.

Where do you go to escape the city?

Blueys Beach and Seal Rocks are favourites, but Byron Bay is where I feel most connected. Being Bundjalung, it is always special to spend time back on Country.

Is there an essential Sydney movie or song?

Anything by Royel Otis!

Madden is a curator and creative producer for the National Indigenous Art Fair. The fair runs from July 3 to 5 at The Cutaway in Barangaroo. Tickets are available online.

@miahmadden

@nationalindigenousartfair