Whoever thinks 13 is an unlucky number, needs to head over to Sydney’s 13th Vivid Sydney. Stat. Here, on an inspiring opening night, crowds were captivated by a poignant Welcome to Country ceremony, mesmerising fireworks, radiant beams across the harbour, and a moving Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House.
It started with a wow. Artists representing diverse First Nations and languages, including Yothu Yindi, Tenzin Choegyal, Chantel Cofie, and Wontanara, came together as part of a powerful Welcome to Country, curated by First Nations Advisor Rhoda Roberts AO.
This extraordinary ceremony marked the official commencement of Vivid Sydney. The the night sky sparkled above Sydney’s harbour, iconic landmarks, and skyline. And then the Australian Traffic Network surprised attendees with a drone show countdown.
Simultaneously, the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated. And they featured the works of the late great Australian artist, John Olsen.
Keeping it lit
Vivid Sydney will delight visitors for the next 23 days. With over 300 activations and events, the festival boasts the world’s most innovative artists, talented musicians, and influential thought leaders. This year’s theme, ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally,’ draws inspiration from the unparalleled beauty of Mother Nature, the ultimate creator.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, emphasised that Vivid Sydney transcends a mere light festival. It’s expanded into a world-class program that illuminates all aspects of the city’s culture. He expressed pride in hosting leading creative talents once again and highlighted the festival’s growth and success over the years.
“Fourteen years ago Vivid Sydney launched for the first time,” he said.
“In that first year, an incredible 225,000 people came to see the show. Last year, 2.6 million people experienced Vivid Sydney.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini, said that the 2023 program is the largest in the festival’s history. And it will showcase three major pillars: Vivid Food, Vivid Light, and Vivid Ideas.
Vivid Food
Under Vivid Food, renowned New York chef Daniel Humm will lead a two-week residency at Matt Moran’s Aria, presenting his visionary approach to cuisine. The program also features exclusive menus created by acclaimed chefs in collaboration with Sydney’s best restaurants. Additionally, the festival offers the Vivid Sydney Dinner, an unforgettable feast for the senses combining light, music, ideas, and cuisine.
Vivid Light
Vivid Light, the festival’s signature pillar, boasts over 57 luminous light installations, mesmerising 3D projection artworks, as well as ticketed events that transport visitors to a captivating wonderland of colour and illumination. Partnerships with Cinewav enable attendees to listen to soundtracks accompanying select projection artworks along the Light Walk. The Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House pays homage to John Olsen, animating his vibrant works and celebrating his illustrious artistic career spanning over 60 years. Notable additions this year include the world-first Dark Spectrum in Sydney’s Wynyard Tunnels and the Lightscape experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Vivid Ideas
Vivid Ideas, the festival’s platform for thought-provoking discussions and workshops, presents over 60 engaging sessions that explore community, authenticity, respect, love, and lessons from nature. Guests include acclaimed creator and director Mike White, who will discuss the power of storytelling.
Stretched across Sydney’s city centre, Vivid Sydney transforms numerous locations into vibrant hubs of creativity. From Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House to The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and also Taronga Zoo, the festival engulfs the city with an enchanting atmosphere.
For more information and tickets visit vividsydney.com.
All images courtesy of Destination NSW.
