Vivid Sydney has revealed the muse for its 2023 event theme is Mother Nature, focusing on First Nations peoples and cultures’ contributions to the creative industries for its biggest program yet and featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s largest drone show.
Running from 26 May to 17 June 2023, the ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally’ theme is reflected across 300-plus activations and events in this year’s 23-day and night program that invites locals and visitors to enjoy the world-renowned festival in the Harbour City.
Innovative artists, talented music makers and thought leaders are showcased on the lineup, including Australian artist John Olsen’s works projected on the Sydney Opera House in Life Enlivened (2023).
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House will host more than 40 Australian and international artists such as José González, Yaeji, Ella Mai, Cat Power, Devonté Hynes and more.
A Vivid Ideas highlight will feature British author Jeanette Winterson reflecting on questions of identity, sexuality, religion and more to unpack the idea of nature in LIFE AND MARS: The Future of Human.
Vivid Music will spotlight First Nations and Australian voices and celebrate the legacy of the late Archie Roach alongside a free Vivid Music Program at Tumbalong Park on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, featuring Yothu Yindi, Dan Sultan, Japanese artist Cornelius and others.
The Vivid Sydney 2023 drone show, Written in the Stars, will feature more than 1,000 drones across six shows in the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest drone show to date.
And for the first time, Vivid Sydney’s brand-new pillar – Vivid Food – will broaden the creative spotlight from Light, Music and Ideas to include culinary favourites and innovative food events.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said Vivid Sydney is a progressive and inclusive event that celebrates the best of the creative industries in 2023.
“Vivid Sydney is the original festival of light, art and culture. 2023 is the 13th time it has been staged and has naturally evolved to ensure that it stays relevant to the creative industries and what that means to people today,” Ms Minervini said.
“There are world-firsts and festival-firsts and both free and ticketed events to make the festival accessible to everyone. Audiences should be prepared to be blown away by the calibre of talent and a program that has been inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature.
“Vivid Sydney’s 2023 program is a celebration of authenticity, an invitation to connect and a chance to create. You do not want to miss Vivid Sydney 2023.”
Vivid Sydney 2022 returned after a two-year hiatus last year – read all about it here.
For more info, visit vividsydney.com
