Geelong, Victoria – Prepare to be dazzled as Parrtjima, the unique Aboriginal light festival, returns to Alice Springs for its ninth edition from April 12-21. Renowned as the only festival of its kind in the world, Parrtjima promises to illuminate the heart of Alice Springs (Mparntwe) with ten nights of vibrant displays and cultural celebrations. This year’s theme revolves around the importance of interconnectedness across First Nations cultures, offering attendees an immersive experience steeped in Indigenous heritage. Parrtjima 2024: Celebrating Indigenous Culture Through Light and Sound
Among the highlights of this year’s festival are the return of beloved installations such as the Ranges Light Show and Grounded, along with exciting new additions. The Ranges Light Show, spanning almost two kilometers of the ancient MacDonnell Ranges, will feature enhanced projections, promising a mesmerizing journey through time and space.
Grounded, a fan-favorite, will undergo interactive enhancements, inviting visitors to engage with animated Indigenous art projected onto the red sand of the region accompanied by captivating soundscapes.
One of the highly anticipated new installations is Arrernte, showcasing a series of illuminated cars celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Eastern, Western, and Central language groups. Additionally, Honouring, an immersive passageway paying tribute to the late Dr. MK Turner OAM, promises to captivate audiences with its celebration of ancestral stories, language, and art.
Adding to the spectacle is Arelhe Urrperle, a legendary six-meter-tall puppet operated by visual theatre experts Erth. Arelhe Urrperle will enchant audiences of all ages as she roams through Alice Springs Desert Park, sharing language and stories and fostering a sense of wonder and connection.
In a first for the festival, Parrtjima will host a three-night marketplace, dubbed the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network’s (NTIBN) Buy Blak Market. This collaboration with Desart, the peak arts body supporting Central Australian Aboriginal art centers, will showcase a variety of food and products from local Aboriginal businesses, providing a platform for economic empowerment and cultural exchange.
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO emphasizes the festival’s commitment to sharing cultural knowledge and expanding the impact of Aboriginal artists. “Increased cultural expression leads to a greater understanding of First Nations heritage and experience,” Roberts says, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in shaping a more inclusive society.
Suzana Bishop, CEO of Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), underscores the festival’s significance as a platform for truth-telling, healing, and celebration. “Parrtjima is something special,” Bishop remarks. “The festival puts Alice Springs on the events map, showcasing one of the most striking landscapes in the country and celebrating the world’s oldest living culture.”
In addition to mesmerizing light displays, Parrtjima will feature a diverse lineup of performers, including country music star Troy Cassar-Daley, singer-songwriter Shellie Morris, ARIA award-winning R&B artist Miiesha, and Red Centre glam-rock band Mulga Bore Hard Rock. The festival’s talks program will also offer insights from top First Nations voices, providing an enriching experience for attendees.
With its captivating blend of light, sound, and culture, Parrtjima 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Indigenous heritage and creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Australia’s premier Aboriginal light festival.
For more information and updates, visit the Parrtjima website.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/09-04-2024/10727/parrtjima-aboriginal-light-festival-to-return-to-alice-springs
