Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2023 has opened for registrations with figures showing this year’s free event generated $14 million for the Northern Territory economy.
Parrtjima will run from 7- 16 April 2023 under the theme Listening with Heart inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart.
A group of artists from Multijulu, led by Maruku artist Rene Kulitja, created the Statement from the Heart artwork, which depicts Uluru-Ku Tjukurrpa (The Uluru Story of connection). Kulitja will work alongside a number of artists to bring the piece to life as a large-scale immersive light and sound installation.
“The installation at the heart of Parrtjima 2023 will take guests on a journey through the lands surrounding Uluru, Australia’s most iconic landmark,” said Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts.
“The installation will remind people of the eons of oral storytelling, and the story of Kuniya and Liru that shaped the landscape of Uluru through art.
“Residents enjoy time under the stars catching up with friends, while visitors make the most of their trip by seeing and experiencing as much as possible.”
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said this year’s festival injected $14.7 million into the local economy.
“There is also the flow-on effect, with Aboriginal artists experiencing a surge in interest in their work, and secondary businesses, such as food wholesalers, also benefiting from an influx of people,” Fyles said.
