Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Spectacular Indigenous artworks and a 300-million-year-old canvas illuminated to brighten the desert sky are just some of the highlights of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, taking place in Alice Springs over 10 nights from Friday, 23 September to Sunday, 2 October 2016.

New program details released today reveal the free public event will be officially opened on Friday, 23 September. 

Parrtjima is a breathtaking showcase of contemporary and traditional Indigenous art, culture and stories using light and sound, created by the Northern Territory Government in collaboration with AGB Events (known for their award-winning work for Vivid Sydney) and local Aboriginal artists, students and community.

Andrew Hopper, General Manager, Northern Territory Major Events Company, said: 'Parrtjima offers visitors from around Australia and the world the unique chance to experience the oldest continuous culture on earth in a totally new and exciting way.

'We are extremely proud to present the first authentic Indigenous light festival of its kind in the world as we illuminate 2.5km of the Northern Territory's majestic MacDonnell Ranges in celebration of Central Australia's rich Aboriginal culture."

Visitors can access the event via the Larapinta bike track or the free event shuttle bus, which will collect passengers every 10 minutes from 6:00pm daily from six locations around Alice Springs. Pick-up and drop-off locations include Star of Alice bus stop, Lasseters Convention Centre/Casino, Council Chambers, Araluen Cultural Precinct, Albrecht Oval Carpark and Desert Park bus stop.

Gates will open to the public at Alice Springs Desert Park for two sessions each night from 6:30pm-8:30pm and 8:30pm-10:30pm.

Join the conversation with #Parrtjima #ParrtjimaAustralia #NTaustralia. For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.ParrtjimaAustralia.com.au.