A captivating new festival celebrating our innate connection to the night skies has been confirmed for 6-14 May 2021 at Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs.

Dark Skies Festival will take visitors on a journey of light, sound and darkness beneath one of the greatest night skies in the world.

The brand new event received almost $20,000 in funding through the Territory Labor Government’s Event Funding round, which is administered by the Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Earth Sanctuary has teamed up with the Artist Expedition Society to deliver the event, which will showcase a unique fusion of art, science and culture. Over nine nights, visitors will enjoy projection-based artworks by a range of artists, scientific talks, musical performances, workshops - and maybe even a meteor shower.

For more information, please visit:  https://earth-sanctuary.com.au/dark-skies-festival

Tickets will go on sale next month.

Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Natasha Fyles:

“Because the Territory has remained the safest place in the country during the pandemic, we are able to continue to host events such as Dark Skies Festival.

"It will be an exciting addition to the Territory’s events calendar, and something that will draw people to the region from all over Australia.

“This boost for Central Australia’s tourism will have flow-on benefits for the local economy and for Territory jobs.

“It’s fantastic to see an Event Development Grant being used to bring such a unique festival to life, a festival we can all get behind to create another ‘must-visit’ Territory event.”

Quotes from Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech:

“It’s really exciting to see another incredible event on the calendar for Central Australia.

“The Red Centre is full of incredible attractions, and the wonders of its huge, star-studded night skies are up there among the most mesmerising.

“This event will see art, science and the natural wonders of Central Australia bring people together.”

Quotes from Tom Falzon, Director, Earth Sanctuary and Festival Co-Director: 

“The Moon, stars and constellations have played a central role among cultures for as long as we can remember. It is often stated that astronomy was the first science, as it represents the human connection to the cosmos, inspiring thought, art, ceremony and social behaviour.

“The Dark Skies Festival at Earth Sanctuary offers space enthusiasts and artists a rare opportunity to celebrate the night sky in a region that offers one of the best viewing conditions on the planet.”