Parrtjima MacDonnell Ranges Light Show 2023_Credit Parrtjima
A Festival in Light returns to illuminate the Red Centre in April in more ways than one, with some of Australia’s most prominent First Nations identities set to participate in the always-popular talks program, and the confirmation of a brand-new light installation, Tjoritja Cockatoos.
From 12-21 April 2024, the free 10-night festival will light up the night sky above Alice Springs Desert Park (ASDP) while on the ground, the series of talks will allow visitors to hear from the likes of screenwriter and producer Aaron Fa’aoso, health researcher Roxanne Ngarulya Highfold, TV presenter Marcellus Enalanga and art historian Professor Gregory Lehman. A variety of topics, ranging from the launch of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs to food sovereignty, will be discussed.
Musicians and singer-songwriters Troy Cassar-Daley, Shellie Morris and Miiesha will also feature in the talks program, as well as perform during the festival.
The festival will also introduce a brand-new, large-scale light and art installation called Tjoritja Cockatoos. Guests will be immersed in Western Arrernte Country and listen to the calls of black cockatoos as Vanessa Inkamala’s evocative art, in the style of the Hermannsburg School of watercolour, is brought to life through animation and sound. Continuing the legacy of her great uncle Albert Namatjira, this installation represents the cyclical and seasonal work of Country, leaning into the festival’s 2024 theme of interconnectedness in First Nations culture.
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO said the festival offers visitors a unique opportunity.
“We’ve got an incredible program of speakers for Parrtjima this year, with a fascinating range of topics to be covered,” she said.
“This is a real opportunity to listen to and learn from some of Australia’s top First Nations voices, and that’s what the spirit of Parrtjima is all about. Listening, learning and interconnecting to better understand each other.”
Parrtjima is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and produced by creative experience design studio Grumpy Sailor in partnership with events destination company We Are Gather. NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said Parrtjima will once again deliver a program that is truly exciting, with a spread of events and workshops that celebrate and share Aboriginal culture.
Musician and singer-songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley to perform and speak at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2024
“Parrtjima grows every year and we’re excited about the evolution of this year’s stunning event,” she said. “There are some great additions to the program that we know our guests will love as we build towards the next huge milestone for Parrtjima, which turns 10 in 2025.
“The talks program is just one part of this festival, which has something for everyone. Each year Parrtjima attracts thousands of people to one of the most beautiful regions of the country, where they get to enjoy everything the festival and the Red Centre has to offer, while their visit supports local businesses and the economy.”
Screenwriter and producer Aaron Fa’aoso to speak at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2024
Parrtjima favourites return this year with a new twist, with the MacDonnell Ranges Lightshow to light up the 300-million-year-old landmark as a natural canvas, and Grounded, which projects animations onto the red dirt at ASDP, returning bigger and more interactive.
Parrtjima is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind. To find out more and to register for free, visit parrtjimaaustralia.com.au
