The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is renowned for its larger-than-life art installations, unforgettable musical performances, and a commitment to sustainability. For Sydney Oliff, an emerging artist with a deep passion for creativity and environmental awareness, this year’s festival became a personal milestone. Through Global Inheritance’s TRASHed: Art of Recycling program, Sydney designed and painted a recycling bin that not only made an artistic statement but also earned her a wristband to the festival. There, she fulfilled a dream of seeing one of her favorite acts, Rüfüs Du Sol, live.
We sat down with Sydney in her apartment to discuss her journey as an artist, her involvement with TRASHed, and the inspiration behind her 2024 Coachella recycling bin.
A Background in Creativity
“My name is Sydney Oliff. I was born in Newport Beach and grew up in Australia,” she began, reflecting on her artistic roots. “I was always drawing as a kid, but I actually didn’t like painting at first. It wasn’t until high school, when I started experimenting, that I found it exciting.”
Sydney’s creative journey was shaped by a blend of self-discovery and familial influence. “My grandmother was an amazing artist—she did landscapes with oil pastels. My twin sister and older sister are also creative, so it runs in the family.” Despite her artistic background, Sydney opted for a business degree in university. “I wanted to learn how to run an art business. All my artistic skills are self-taught, from experimenting and playing around.”
This hands-on approach to art eventually led her to take on commissioned work, creating custom pieces that resonate with her clients. “My brand is about conveying emotion and creating art that’s fun and enjoyable to view. It doesn’t always have to have a deep meaning—it’s more about inspiration and enjoyment.”
The Journey to TRASHed and Coachella
Global Inheritance’s TRASHed program, which began in 2004, combines environmental responsibility with art. Each year, artists from around the world design recycling bins for display at Coachella, with the goal of inspiring attendees to recycle. The initiative culminates in an auction, where the bins are sold to benefit schools and environmental programs.
Sydney had known about TRASHed for years but only decided to apply this year. “Friends kept telling me to apply, but I didn’t feel ready or good enough,” she admitted. “This year, I finally said, ‘Why not?’ I submitted a concept, and when I got accepted, I was so happy, I was screaming and crying. I was telling everyone ‘cause I’ve never actually entered a competition before, let alone been chosen. I was just kind of like, I can’t believe that.”
She was thrilled not only for the opportunity to showcase her work on one of the most prominent stages in the world, but also for the chance to attend Coachella. “I’ve been to the festival twice before, in 2017 and 2022, and it’s always been such a fun experience. This year, I couldn’t afford to go, so being able to participate in TRASHed and receive a wristband was amazing.”
Designing “All Your Festival Essentials”
Sydney’s recycling bin, titled All Your Festival Essentials, was inspired by the fun and eclectic spirit of Coachella. “I wanted to create a bin that encompassed everything you need for a festival—sunscreen, a water bottle, a day pack. I included reusable items to promote sustainability and tried to make it fun and colorful.”
The bin also featured nostalgic touches, like a Polaroid camera and a whimsical Coachella chocolate bar. “I called it an emotional support kit,” she laughed. “I wanted people to see it and smile, while also being reminded to pick up after themselves and keep the festival grounds clean.”
Sydney completed the project in just under a month, painting the bin in her home studio. “The exhibition was on April 6, so I had to deliver it to Los Angeles by then. It was exciting to see all the other bins—there were about 40 artists this year, and the quality of the work was amazing.”
Art, Sustainability, and Community Impact
Participating in TRASHed was about more than art—it was an opportunity to contribute to a cause she deeply believes in. “Growing up in Australia, recycling and sustainability were a big part of our education. Moving to the U.S., I realized how much people here still need to learn about it.”
She sees initiatives like TRASHed as vital for raising awareness. “They’re teaching people about recycling in a way that’s fun and engaging. If we don’t take care of the planet, it’s not going to last forever.”
Beyond Coachella, Sydney’s art has primarily been displayed in private collections, though one of her high school pieces—a dot painting inspired by Aboriginal art—remains on display at a beach in Australia. “Most of my work is commission-based, so it’s in people’s homes. But I love the idea of creating pieces that have a broader impact, like the recycling bin.”
Looking Ahead
As Sydney reflects on her journey, she remains passionate about continuing to grow as an artist and advocate for sustainability. “This experience with Global Inheritance has been incredible. It’s opened up new possibilities for me as an artist and shown me how art can make a difference.”
She also hopes to inspire others to embrace their creativity. “I hope you’re inspired if you’re an up and coming artist, don’t be discouraged by your elders or people around you who think you can’t make it doing art because you can. You just have to be persistent. And you want and be proud of it and just constantly share your work, there’s always gonna be some people out there who’s going to enjoy what you do.”
When asked about her vision for the future, Sydney’s aspirations are as multifaceted as her art. “I want to have my first gallery show—have a sold-out gallery show. That’d be really cool,” she shares, her excitement palpable. Her dreams extend beyond Coachella with a particular fondness for New York, a city she loves so much she’s immortalized it with a skyline tattoo. “I’d love to have a little show in New York or something like that,” she adds. Above all, she envisions a life filled with creativity, ideally working from her own studio, separate from home. “Just constantly creating art,” she concludes.