The world’s largest festival of light, music, and ideas has kicked off
Sydney, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The world’s largest festival of light, music, and ideas Vivid Sydney (Vivid Sydney Light Music Festival)illuminated the harbor city of Sydney tonight. This highly anticipated annual event is being held from May 22 to June 8 this year, spanning 18 nights, and has now officially begun.
Vivid Sydney 2015: Enchanting Sydney – Customs House (Photo: Destination NSW)
Vivid Sydney 2015: Lighting up the “sails” of the Sydney Opera House with a vivid mural – Creative concept and direction by Universal Everything (Photo: Destination NSW)
Sydney’s iconic landmarks, harbor, and urban spaces have been “transformed” by 3D projections and more than 60 light installations, including the “sails” of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House (Sydney Opera House).
Just seven years after its inception, Vivid Sydney is once again using light, music, and creativity as a platform to take visitors from around the world on a journey of creative discovery. Last year, the festival welcomed 1.43 million visitors.
The New South Wales Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said: “Over 18 days and nights, visitors will experience a Sydney like never before—one that is brimming with creativity and dazzling light. It’s truly an unmissable event, and we’re incredibly proud of it.”
Vivid Light The festival will stretch across The Rocks, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay (Walsh Bay), Martin Place (Martin Place) in the Central Business District, The Star & Pyrmont, as well as the new 2015 festival precinct—Central Park in Chippendale—and will extend north through Sydney’s best skyscraper “Central Park” and Chatswood.
Light artists from around the world were invited to submit their creative concepts, and 140 artists from 16 countries were selected to create their unique works during Vivid Sydney.
Vivid Music The cutting-edge music program includes Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House, showcasing unique performances and collaborations, with over 90 shows across venues throughout Sydney. Performers include Grace Jones (Grace Jones), Sufjan Stevens, Daniel Johns (Daniel Johns), and Australian legendary band The Hoodoo Gurus.
Vivid Ideas Vivid Ideas will bring some of the most insightful and creative minds together for a series of major talks, workshops, conferences, panels, and forums. With the support of 150 sessions and over 400 speakers, the Vivid Ideas program features heavyweight guests including multiple Emmy Award-winning writer Matthew Weiner (Matthew Weiner)—creator and executive producer of Mad Men and former executive producer of The Sopranos—as well as Tyler Brûlé, founder of Wallpaper and Monocle and one of the most influential figures in global publishing and branding. Weiner and Brûlé will share insights from their globally successful creative careers.Tyler Brule). Wiener and Brewer will share their insights after achieving global success in the creative industry.
The CEO of Destination NSW, the New South Wales Government agency responsible for tourism and major events, Sandra Chipchase said: “Every year, Vivid Sydney aims to deliver a vibrant and colorful experience that brings people together. Our festival puts art into the hands of the public, allowing visitors to enjoy a visual feast driven by artistic and technological innovation.”
Some must-see events at Vivid Sydney:
1. View Sydney Harbour in spectacular new lights
With the help of UK-based company Universal Everything, the famous Sydney Opera House will once again transform its “sails” into a colorful,Lifelike murals“Harbour Lights” will showcase a fleet of boats transforming their colors as they move through the waterways, while “Paint The Town” allows visitors to control Sydney’s skyline and turn it into a “rainbow” made of bright lights.
2. Visit the Argyle Cut (Argyle Cut), listen to narration by Sir David Attenborough) David Attenborough
Every evening at 7pm (6pm on weekends), immerse yourself in the magic of Mother Nature and enjoy Sir David Attenborough’s concise narration at the Argyle Cut. The stories told are based onthe Life Story (Life Story), a four-year filming project for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) television documentary series“Life Story”, bringing the Argyle Cut to life with seamless footage of birds, marine animals, and land creatures.
3. Hug a three-meter-tall crochet doll
Visit the doll during Vivid Sydney and give it a big hug. This three-meter-tall crochet installation is sure to be an adorable hit for all ages, and the popular photo spot against the backdrop of the Sydney Opera House is also very appealing. Don’t forget to share your photos with #ilovesydney.
4. Head to Martin Place
Spend some time at Martin Place to see incredible light installations, including Robotanic, Spectra, and Drum Circle. Then play Intel’sdrone gamewith your friends before heading to Transcendence. Transcendence is an incredible structure that uses Real Sense sensing technology, offers live art projections, and serves some of Sydney’s best food from restaurants such as Porteno, Thievery, Agape Organic, Cantina Mobil, and the globally renowned Cow and the Moon.
5. Go to Chatswood and the University of Sydney
The scope of Vivid Sydney expanded in 2015, so make sure to visit Chatswood to learn about the underwater stories of Norbert and The Nautilus , and stop by the Cabana Bar and 4 Pines Rooftop Bar in The Concourse night market for some snacks.
The University of Sydney’s Vivid Path to the Future program kicks off on Monday, May 25th, and is worth visiting to experience its biggest-ever light, music, and creativity program. Imagine stunning architectural projections at the Seymour Centre, Little Creatures Craft Beer bar, and a packed lineup of musical performances. Go check it out.
6. If you love to dance, head to Central Park on Friday or Saturday nights
Love dancing? Then go to Vivid Sydney’s new area — Central Park — on Friday or Saturday nights. Starting at 7pm, dance to a silent disco (Silent Disco) against the backdrop of Reko Rennie and Beastman’s street-art-inspired installations. Choose your beat and dance to tracks from two different Propaganda DJs, then head upstairs to Keystone’s pop-up bar for a drink while overlooking the vibrant event.
7. Sweet songs and sweets
After controlling the “firing” of electronic fireworks at the Pyrmont Fireworks (Pyrmont Pyro) in Pyrmont Park, head to Sky Terrace The bar at Vivid Lounge. Karaoke enthusiasts can belt out their favorite hits, with their faces projected onto nearby walls, while gamers can head to the arcade to relive childhood memories. But don’t forget to grab some desserts from the Guerrilla Festival’s dessert bar at Star City.
8. Selfie lovers, rejoice: Learn how to take the perfect selfie
Along the Circular Quay Light Walk, chat with a roaming Canon ambassador who will share tips on capturing the perfect photos of Vivid Sydney—whether on a smartphone or a DSLR. Then make your way to You Are Here the installations with the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop to master the art of the perfect selfie.
9. At Modulations at Carriageworks, enjoy food and drink with an Italian twist
If you love food and Italian disco, be sure to check out ITALO DINING AND DISCO CLUB, where you can savor Italian cuisine in a pop-up eatery. Incredible chefs from renowned restaurants like Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta, Fratelli Paradiso, and 10 William St. are on hand to serve up pasta, and guests can enjoy live performances by legendary figures in Italian disco Beppe Loda during their meal.
Event dates: May 31, June 1, June 2, June 5, June 6, and June 7
10. Gamers and YouTube fans unite
As Australia’s first event of its kind, Game I ON is not to be missed, immersing visitors in the worlds of gaming, social media, YouTube, vlogging, and creation/development. From May 22 to 24, popular YouTube stars including fouseyTUBE, Jayesslee, and The Royal Stampede will share their digital secrets at Australian Technology Park.
Visit http://www.vividsydney.com to explore the full program of Vivid Sydney.
A video news release about this evening’s lighting momentVideo News Release (VNR) will be available after midnight at http://vividsydney.com/media-centre.
The complete media kit, including high-resolution images and broadcast-quality footage, is now available for download at http://vividsydney.com/media-centre.