The Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, Vivid Sydney 2024, has kicked off, transforming the harbour, iconic landmarks and cityscape.
Celebrating its 14th anniversary, Vivid Sydney is promising to be bigger and better than ever before with events running until Saturday 15th June under the theme ‘humanity’.
Opening night saw the launch of 30 light installations and 3D projections across the eight-kilometre ‘Vivid Sydney Light Walk’, including an artwork on the Sydney Opera House that digitises centuries-old fabric-making techniques into an animated, modern epic.
Minister for the Arts, Music and Tourism John Graham said the event has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2009.
“Vivid Sydney has been a global platform showcasing our vibrant culture, bustling nightlife and creative talents… [and] shows the world our colourful creative side. Vivid Sydney shows the world we have big dreams,” he said.
“With the majority of this year’s festival being free, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back again in the millions.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said it’s proud to be celebrating its 14th year with an incredible lineup of light, music, ideas and food under 2024’s theme of humanity.
“It is such a privilege and honour to direct this year’s program, and we’re so excited to bring festival-goers a calibre of Australian and international talent that not only maintains the standard we’ve set in previous years, but takes the program to new heights.”
Staged across the Sydney CBD, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney among others.
Vivid Sydney highlights
From almost anywhere in the city, those attending will be able to see a 40-kilometre stretch of rainbow lasers emanating from the Sydney Tower, a symbol of hope by US artist Yvette Mattern titled ‘Global Rainbow’.
While one of Australia’s most-beloved artists, Reg Mombassa will reimagine the classic Aussie road trip on Customs House for ‘Gumscape with Road and Creatures’.
Celebrated Chinese Australian artist, Guan Wei’s signature iconography will transform the Museum of Contemporary Art for ‘Sea, Sand and Stars’, while the Vivid Sydney 2024 drone show ‘Love is in the Air’ will feature more than 700 drones for a fan-favourite spectacle over the harbour.
For music lovers
Tekno Train by Paul Mac is a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains ride into a moving, sensory sound and light experience, while the reimagined 100-year-old substation ‘Machine Hall’ will be open to the public for the first time during the event, with performances from Deerhoof, Jen Cloher, CLUB4A and No Fixed Address.
The Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House line-up will feature more than 40 Australian and international artists curated by Sydney Opera House’s Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall.
For foodies
Vivid Chef Series returns to hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA, The Porter House, Firedoor and The Charles Brasserie with foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Ivan Brehm, Selassie Atadika, Niklas Ekstedt and Sally Abé
Visitors can also explore more than 20 top chefs and restaurateurs at the VividPlace Food Trail, or indulge in a bespoke bar snack and cocktail experience at Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, with views of the sparkling lights across Sydney Harbour.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
