Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is set to illuminate the Red Centre this Easter from 7 – 16 April 2023.
Led by Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO, the festival is an extraordinary, free, 10-night celebration of Aboriginal culture, art, music and identities, and one of the Northern Territory’s largest and most anticipated events.
The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima features interactive light installations, music, artworks, workshops and film from leading Australians, as well as nightly projections against the 300-million-year-old canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges.
The theme for this year’s Parrtjima is Listening with Heart. Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart – Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate and reflect.
Under the guidance of artist Rene Kulitja, who led the group of artists that created the artwork, the stunning piece will be brought to life as a large-scale, immersive light installation.
It will immerse visitors in the world of the Anangu people of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands surrounding Uluru.
As they journey through the installation, visitors will hear the ancient songlines and Indigenous perspectives of what Country means – learning to walk together and connecting, while listening to the First Peoples’ deep connection and philosophy of land, water and sky Country.
The music line-up includes Docker River Band, Eastern Reggae Band, Emily Wurramara, JK-47, KAIIT, Karnage (DJ), Karnage n Darknis, Paul Ah Chee, Radical Son, Richard J Frankland, Discovering Leerpeen Mara, Rowdy Birds (DJ), The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and The Merindas.
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, plus music from the likes of Kaiit, The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band and Paul Ah Chee.
Parrtjima is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and is produced by Creative Directors AGB Events.
NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said the Parrtjima program has something for everyone with a great selection of music, talks and workshops to attend between observing the immersive light displays.
“Parrtjima will once again deliver a program that is exciting with a spread of events and workshops that celebrate and share Aboriginal culture,” she said.
“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.”
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light takes place in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on Arrernte country from 7 – 16 April 2023. For more information and full program, visit: www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light | NTMEC