Vivid Sydney 2022: The Touch of First Nations Culture
When Vivid Sydney makes its highly-anticipated return in 2022, it will not only be an extravagant showcasing of lights, music and ideas but also of the indigenous artists. The presence of First Nations artists will be more noticeable and exuberant than ever in the 12th edition of the festival. With only a couple of days left for the biggest festival of lights, music and ideas to mark its return, let’s take a look at how the FIrst Nation’s influence is seen in every aspect of Vivid.
Hop on Vivid Cruise Sydney For the Best Views
One of the major focal points of the festival is the Lighting of the Sails of the Opera House. Tens of thousands of revellers flock to the harbour to catch a glimpse of this spectacle, making it one of the most buzzing destinations during the festival. Each year a new creative artist gets the opportunity to fabricate an original artwork for the iconic Opera House. For 2022, the Opera House will shine bright with the collective artwork of ‘Yarrkalpa — The Hunting Ground’, a Martumilli collective painting that depicts the lifestyle of the Parnngurr community. To enjoy stunning views of this newly animated landmark, the ideal option for you would be the popular harbour cruises. With food, drinks and unparalleled harbour views, these Vivid-themed cruises will be in-demand, so best book your seats now! Even if you can’t make it to a Vivid Cruise, the standard dinner cruise in Sydney Harbour will offer you the chance to enjoy close-up views of this mesmerising spectacle.
Leading the Lineup at First Light
The First Nations prominence in this year’s Vivid is evident even from the beginning of the festival. Before Lights On at 6pm, the festival launches the First Light, a celebration of the First nations culture and a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony. As a mark of respect to the Gadigal people of the continent, the event will make the southern pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge light up with storytelling projections. This touching event will also feature a smoking ceremony and a well-choreographed live piece by NAISDA dancers. All the events of the First Light will be shown throughout the Light Walk, every night of the festival as an acknowledgement and respect to the 500+ indigenous diversities in the continent.
Groove to Music by Indigenous Artists
The upcoming Vivid Sydney gives us plenty of opportunity to interact and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The hottest artists make their dream debut at the iconic stages of the Opera House, while the brilliant thinkers inspire us with their thought-provoking talks and debates. Anangu singer-songwriter, Miiesha, in her special one night only performance, lights up the landmark with her deeply personal lyricism, telling the stories of her hometown and culture. Elsewhere, legendary radio host Nooky assembles an all-star cast of rappers and DJs including Triple One, The Terrys, Jade Le Flay, Roman Jody and more.
Get Inspired by Vivid Ideas
First Nation artists are well-known storytellers and this year you can listen to them on a broader platform. Designing with Country is an eye-opening discussion between some of the nation’s finest architects who will uncover several layers into how the First Nations way of thinking can be an inspiration in shaping the environment in Australia. They seek to bring in a sense of belonging in areas that may be missing from the nation’s society. Later, on the 11th of June, you can indulge in an NSW signature event, exposing the white privilege acts and colour blindness by formulating difficult questions. This part game, part game show along with some music and poetry seeks to answer the questions in a safe space with a whole lot of laughs. The event is brought to life by First Nations comedians and brilliant leaders who make the panel.
