17 February 2021
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will feature a raft of high profile performers this Easter as part of a program that shines with exciting opportunities for all.
The free, 10-night event will run from 8-17 April 2022 in Alice Springs (Mparntwe). The theme this year is Sky Country, which focuses on our place in the universe and the relationship Aboriginal Australians have with the skies above.
ARIA-Award winning Dan Sultan, and Triple J’s 2021 Unearthed Artist of the Year, Yolngu surf-rock band King Stingray, will headline the music program.
Aussie rapper BARKAA, West Arnhem Land’s Black Rock Band and emerging young artists Ray Ray McKenzie, Tilly Tjala Thomas, and the Top End’s Jimblah will also join the entertainment line-up.
Some of those artists will appear as part of the talks program, intimate conversations between fascinating Australians and Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO.
Other names on the list include NRL star Josh Addo-Carr, Steven Oliver of Black Comedy fame, and Parrtjima artists Carmen Glynn-Braun and Raelene Ngala Williams.
The film program offers a retrospective of acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton’s work. A workshop program will be released at a later date.
The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima shares ancient stories and culture through the newest technologies, all set against the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges.
For program details and to book a free spot at any of the film screenings, visit [https://www.parrtjima.com.au]
Quote from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:
“Last year’s Parrtjima Festival was a massive success, generating a Total Expenditure Stimulus of more than $11.5 million for the Territory economy.
“Each year thousands of people are drawn to the Red Centre to witness this spectacle, with record numbers attending Parrtjima 2021. We continue to develop the event, and the Parrtjima program has become a drawcard in its own right, packed with fascinating individuals ready to share their story.
“Parrtjima is famous for its incredible large-scale light installations, which see stunning Aboriginal artworks transformed into an entirely new wondrous form.”
Quote from King Stingray’s Yirrnga Yunupingu:
“This will be the first time for us playing in the Red Centre. Our dreams have come true! We can’t wait to experience the good vibes of Parrtjima and rock the stage with all the other amazing artists.”
Northern Territory Government
