Alice Springs lights up for Parrtjima
Alice Springs’ 10 day festival in light, Parrtjima, is arguably the biggest arts event happening in Australia this year and has kicked off for the fifth year
Centralian Advocate
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THERE’S no other place in the world where you could see a giant emu made of lights, directly under the Dark Emu of the Milky Way.
Alice Springs’ 10 day festival in light, Parrtjima, is arguably the biggest arts event happening in Australia this year and it kicked off last night for its fifth year.
First Nations adviser Rhoda Roberts said she was “very proud” of the event, which was the result of a year’s planning with thousands of workers.
“It’s quite moving that we are one of the few events to occur in Australia,” she said.
“I think people are really looking forward to getting out.”
The 2020 program started with a moving opening ceremony and Welcome to Country at Alice Springs Desert Park, while in the Todd Mall, Stuart Nuggett began a series of Deep Listening talks with broadcast journalist Tracey Holmes and a showing of the film Babakiueria.
Artist’s paintings were translated into audio visual light installations, telling stories from First Nations people in unique and visually breathtaking ways.
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Ms Roberts said the symbols used by Central Australia desert artists were what made their art so unique.
“The artworks make people think of the stories being told in the original artworks — which are on canvas,” Ms Roberts said.
“The stories are really important because they are about the old dreaming tracks to actually go and harvest. It shifts people’s perspectives that we weren’t just aimlessly going walkabout in the bush, we actually had a very structured society and had to farm this country to live in it.”
New tourism and major events minister Natasha Fyles said the festival would return to the Red Centre in 2021 from April 9-18.
Visitors must register online to attend this year, with the Todd Mall program so popular there is a waitlist to attend the 2020 event.
Ms Fyles said Parrtjima celebrated the Territory’s ancient and fascinating Aboriginal heritage in exciting ways that attract new audiences.
“It is an event that brings a welcome boost to the economy, as thousands of locals and visitors use it as an opportunity to venture out at night and enjoy Red Centre dining and entertainment,” she said.
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