Vivid Sydney is returning to the city with new luminary additions and cultural and culinary components.
Now in its 13th year, Vivid Sydney happens from May 26 through June 17 at various locations throughout Sydney. Participating venues will include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Goods Line, Central Station and Circular Quay.
“Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, which transforms Sydney for twenty-three nights,” explained Festival Director Gill Minervini.
Vivid Sydney 2023, which is Australia’s largest festival, will bring together artists, music makers and thought leaders from around the globe. Additionally, the program will honor significant contributions by First Nations peoples to creative industries through various art displays and musical performances.
For example, “Barerarerungar,” an art installation by First Nations artist Maree Clarke, will be projected onto the facade of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“A Bend in the River: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Archie Roach” will honor the late Archie Roach AC at a concert on June 9th at Sydney Town Hall. Roach was a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung Elder who was referred to as the “voice of the Stolen Generations.”
Overall, Vivid Sydney will tie into the theme, “‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally.” According to Minervini, this direction relates to what experiences, including the opportunity to create, that Vivid Sydney can offer attendees and participants.
“Nature is something I feel very passionate about and it inspires so many creatives,” explained Minervini. “I hope this year we can inspire our audiences to think about our connection with nature and how important it is to protect it.”
The event will also encompass four pillars with related events – Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas and, as a new addition, Vivid Food. The last pillar will honor Sydney’s diverse culinary culture at venues across the city’s Central Business District.
Minervini, who came up with the idea for Vivid Food, explained that Sydney is Australia’s culinary capital. He added that this pillar will showcase a variety of creativity, innovation and culinary experiences, from pop up restaurants, to street food, to haute cuisine. Carriageworks Night Market, a one-night-only event showcasing more than 50 of Sydney’s leading restaurants, bars and producers, will take place on June 16.
“Vivid Food is all about celebrating those that make our food scene so special and will see new food experiences, celebrating the best of Sydney and [New South Wales’] produce, restaurant culture, chefs and beverage masters,” added Minervini. “It will also bring world class international chefs to Sydney to collaborate with our chef talent and provide food experiences unique to Vivid Sydney.“
Other Vivid Sydney 2023 highlights include “Tumbalong Nights” on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park. This electric music series will feature live performances by Yothu Yindi, Ziggy Ramo, Dan Sultan, Esa’s Afro Synth Band with Kamazu and Mim Suleiman, Emma Donovan, and Cornelius.
For tickets, a complete schedule, and more information, visit Vivid Sydney’s website. vividsydney.com.