Vivid Sydney’s 2024 program unveiled

This year’s Vivid Sydney program will include rainbow lasers projecting 40 kilometres from Sydney Tower and light projections from beloved artist Reg Mombassa at Customs House. See the full lineup here.

An artist’s render of Gumscape with Road and Creatures by Reg Mombassa at Customs House. Picture: Supplied

Rainbow lasers will project some 40 kilometres from Sydney Tower as part of Vivid Sydney 2024.

With the umbrella theme of ‘Humanity’, this year’s program has been unveiled and will include light projections from one of the country’s most beloved artists, Reg Mombassa.

His work will take over Customs House at Circular Quay with retro-futuristic robots, one-eyed koalas and other strange creatures for Gumscape with Road and Creatures.

“In 2024, we emphasise works of grand scale, interactivity and profound meaning, delving into the rich tapestry of human experience through exclusive artist collaborations only found at Vivid Sydney,” Festival Director Gill Minervini said.

“Humanity is at the core of everything we do, and this year Vivid Sydney is diving deep into what makes us uniquely human. We have curated a diverse program that explores the human spirit, designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. Everyone is invited to be part of this global event in the world’s most beautiful city to connect, create and celebrate.”

An artist’s render of Lighting of the Sails: Echo by Julia Gutman. Picture: Supplied

The iconic Sydney Opera House will again be a signature feature of the annual event, now in its 14th year. Lighting of the Sails will include art from the likes of 2023 Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutman.

The light installation at Sydney Tower, called Global Rainbow, is from US artist Yvette Mattern and is described as a “global symbol of hope”.

An artist’s render of Global Rainbow, Yvette Mattern from Sydney Tower. Picture: Supplied

Our Connected City, Mandylights. Picture: Supplied

Other key events on the calendar include Tumbalong Nights with performances from the likes of Mallrat, Jen Cloher, Budjerah, Vivid Fire Kitchen and an immersive dance and art installation titled Shifting Perspectives.

The event is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, generating millions for the local economy with 2023 a record year of $206 million.

The 23-day program, starting May 24, is divided into a number of sectors covering lights of course, as well as music, ideas and food.

An artist’s render of Sea, Sand and Stars, Guan Wei on The Museum of Contemporary Art. Picture: Supplied

A light installation at Royal Botanical Gardens during Vivid Sydney in 2023. Picture: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Staged across Sydney, key locations include The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, UTS, The Good Line, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Wynyard Tunnels and Carriageworks in Eveleigh.

“Vivid Sydney brings together important parts of Sydney’s culture – Light, Music, Ideas and Food, NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said. “It celebrates what’s great and unique about our city, and our state and creates a uniquely Sydney experience.

“That’s why it’s been so popular over so many years. This year’s festival will have a variety of free and cost-effective events on offer to provide many opportunities for people to come together and celebrate.”

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