Parrtjima – A Festival in Light has released its full program of workshops, films, talks and music in Alice Springs under the theme Listening with Heart.
The program also features a series of talks with some of Australia’s most well-known Indigenous identities, including actor Steven Oliver, and former Northern Territory Senator and Olympian Nova Peris.
Parrtjima is delivered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and produced by AGB Events.
“Parrtjima will once again deliver a program that is exciting with a spread of events and workshops that celebrate and share Aboriginal culture,” said NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop.
“The festival puts Alice Springs on the map and showcases one of the most striking landscapes in the country, with visitors expected to stay and explore other parts of the Red Centre.”
Last year, Parrtjima generated a total expenditure stimulus of $14.7 million for the Territory.
AGB Events creative director Anthony Bastic says the curation for the festival programming is based on continuing culture.
“The true essence of Parrtjima has always been about sharing knowledge and the telling of Australian cultural stories, I think this year it’s time to listen,” he said.
“The artists and talent featured at Parrtjima this year all have interesting and diverse experiences and it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together with open minds and embrace their perspectives.”
For the first time, Parrtjima is also set to deliver a taste of its immersive light installations outside of the Territory.
Coming to Melbourne’s Fed Square for two nights only, Parrtjima will present its Grounded installation from March 10-11.
Grounded transforms the work of 12 Indigenous artists into a large-scale animated sequence that is projected onto the ground, accompanied by an immersive soundscape.
“Everyone in Melbourne can now experience a piece of Parrtjima and see first-hand what the magic is all about,” said Bishop.
Parrtjima curator Rhoda Roberts is delighted Melbournians will be able to enjoy the first ever experience of Parrtjima outside of the Territory.
“It is wonderful to expand the reach of the Parrtjima Festival and give additional exposure to the amazing Aboriginal artists who contribute every year,” she said.
“The festival is a wonderful public event and it is also very significant in helping provide economic pathways for our Indigenous artists. Grounded is an exciting and contemporary way to enjoy Aboriginal art. It’s experiential and engaging and people respond really well to that.”
Sarah Tutton, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation’s director of programming & interpretation, said they were delighted to partner with Parrtjima to bring a piece of the festival to the heart of Melbourne.
“Illuminating the stunning architecture of Fed Square, Grounded will bathe the landmark’s iconic sandstones in mesmerising light and immerse locals in a taste of the Territory,” she said.
