The official program for the breathtaking Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2019 has revealed 10 nights of mesmerising large scale light installations, artworks, workshops, talks, films and live music for the whole family.

Parrtjima will again be held in the Red Centre across two precincts, the Todd Mall and Alice Springs Desert Park, and will run from Friday 5 April to Sunday 14 April. 

This year’s festival is expected to attract both national and international visitors to the Territory, with new installations showcasing the 2019 theme of ‘Language Expressions’ including:

• The Language of Kin: Honouring local Arrernte people by celebrating their kinship system, The Language of Kin is an impressive, illuminated tunnel with accompanying audio soundscapes.
• The Language of the Stockmen: The Language of the Stockmen is a series of oversized sculptures replicating original artworks by local artists Johnny Young and David Wallace, with collaborations from young artists from Tapatjatjaka Arts Centre.
• The Language of Change: Three ‘Bush Taxis’ or buses, will feature the works of First Nations artists Mervyn Rubuntja from Iltja Ntjarra/Many Hands Art Centre, Rene Kulitja from Maruku Arts and local Arrernte artist Phillip McCormack. 
• The Language of Children: This interactive artwork by Valerie Napurrurla Morris of Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation is an oversized maze that encourages connectedness and conversation.
• The Language of Moths: Following the popularity of a 2018 installation that celebrated Caterpillars and their importance to the landscape and creation time of Australia’s Red Centre and beyond, a series of sculptured large-scale moths will decorate Todd Mall, along with incredible lighting effects.

Parrtjima will also feature a jam-packed live music program with the likes of internationally-acclaimed Australian rapper Baker Boy and Australian singer-songwriter Moju Juju. 

Parrtjima’s Knowledge Program returns again in 2019, allowing visitors to experience the stories, sounds and rhythms of Central Australia through music, films, talks and workshops. 

For more information visit www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au. 

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2019 will be incredible, and Curator Rhoda Roberts will deliver a spectacular event for the fourth year running, including a new and exciting program centred around Language.

“World-class events such as Parrtjima attract more visitors and boost our economy, which is why the Territory Labor Government injected additional funding into the event through our Turbocharging Tourism stimulus program.

“Last year, Parrtjima had a 35 per cent increase in attendance numbers on the year before. We will continue to build on these positive results by enticing more visitors to the Territory through offering premier events and attractions.

“This will support thousands of local businesses and jobs as well as provide a vital boost to our tourism industry and economy.”

Quotes from Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“It’s fantastic to see how Parrtjima – A Festival in Light has been embraced by people all over the world since its inception in 2016 and I look forward to seeing another successful event unfold this year with so many wonderful things to see and do at Alice Springs Desert Park and Todd Mall.

“I hope people of all ages will take advantage of this world-class festival and experience Parrtjima’s many lighting installations, artworks, workshops, talks, films and live music over the 10 days.”

Quotes from Parrtjima – A Festival in Light Curator, Rhoda Roberts AO:

“I’m excited with the line-up for our Knowledge Program that sits alongside the installations at our two precincts in Alice Springs Desert Park and Todd Mall.

“From the ranges show at Desert Park, an in-conversation with Bruce Pascoe, to learning to make a spear, or dancing to the rhythms of our many musicians including Young Australian of the Year Baker Boy, there is a little something for everyone in the family.

“We hope you all get as much enjoyment from the light installations as we at AGB and the Parrtjima team have had at making them.”

Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242

Attached: Image from Parrtjima 2018. Photo credit: James Horan.