Vivid Sydney celebrates Australia’s rich Indigenous culture this NAIDOC Week

1. YARRKALPA LIGHTING OF THE SAILS

The Lighting of the Sails will come to life with the new digital artwork, Yarrkalpa - Hunting Ground 2021 by the Martu Artists and Curiious . Martu artists share intimate knowledge of the country with a vibrant and complex artwork digitally produced by Curiious Studio. Supported with a soundtrack by Indigenous artist Zacharia Fielding and Martu Artists (inspired by Yarrkalpa – Always Walking Country 2014), Yarrkalpa celebrates our Indigenous culture with an engaging visual and auditory experience. 
 

2. SHARD

Shard, a trio of light sculptures provides a platform to share the stories of Baykali Ganambarr, Yalyalwuy Gondarra and Watjarr (Marko) Garmu. The unique light-art shares infinite reflections and animated effects that reveal Dreamtime stories from Arnhem Land, coupled with the yidaki and young Indigenous dancers, it invites viewers to understand what is left to learn about Australia’s shared culture.
 

3. SHARING THE SAME LIFE ESSENCE

This spectacular installation, Sharing the Same Life Essence projected across the Southern Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, celebrates the Gadigal people and the strong, living connection to land. The projection including Wayne Quillam’s photography starts with the story of The Rainbow Serpent and interweaves the many totems of sea, land and sky brought to life across the pylon in incredible colour and animated graphics. 
 

Presenting an Aboriginal-led future for discussion, artist and activist Richard Bell hosts an evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art, of playful conversations, unique performances and workshops to help unpack race relations in Australia. Part of Vivid Ideas at the MCA X Vivid Up Late Series, a festival first for 2021 and coinciding with the exhibit Richard Bell: You Can Go Now (4 June–29 August) this event will expand minds, shake up perceptions and engage audiences in a bold and brave event series.  
 

Shepparton born Yorta Yorta man Adam Briggs brings his multi-talents across music, TV and publishing to a number of anticipated events for Vivid Sydney. In Vivid Sydney’s Game Changers series, Briggs and Nat’s What I Reckon, a clear Maverick and Misfit, come together to discuss how they navigate their passion for music, justice and food at the Sydney Town Hall. Briggs presents an exciting entourage of local hip hop artists with Briggs and Friends in a Vivid Sydney Live Event at Sydney Opera House.  Joining Briggs will be special guests King Stingray and Alice Skye.

King Stingray, a five-piece band who hail from Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land and fuse ancient Indigenous melodies with funk, rock and indie for a distinctive brand of Yolŋu surf-rock. Also appearing is Briggs’ Bad Apples labelmate Alice Skye, the award-winning Wergaia/Wemba Wemba singer-songwriter behind the acclaimed album I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good, produced by Jen Cloher, and a collaborator with Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody on Cannot Buy My Soul.
 

6. INDIGENOUS MUSIC ARTISTS AT VIVID SYDNEY

Rising star in the Australian rap scene, Barkaa, is a proud Malyangapa Barkindji woman from Western New South Wales. Playing a special hometown headline act at Carriageworks, her voice and songs give power to those fighting injustice. Audiences will be wowed by Barkaa’s powerful and confronting lyrics bringing truth to the issues impacting First Nations people. 

The City Recital Hall is proud to host Singular Voices with proud Gugu Yalanji, Jirrbal, Zenadh Kes songwoman Kee’ahn and Sydney-based artist Babitha (Imogen Grist). A blend of soulful music derived from Kee’ahn’s roots from Far North Queensland with bold and emotionally riveting country ballads by Babitha, this night is a celebration of empowering feminine artistry at Vivid Sydney.

Sound artist Zaachariaha Fielding from Electric Fields, shares a unique blend of soaring vocals and pulsing beats in the soundtrack for the mesmerising artwork Yarrkalpa - Hunting Ground 2021 for the Lighting of the Sails.  Zaachariaha’s true self and identity comes through the music and offers a meaningful experience for Sydneysiders and visitors this year for Vivid Sydney. 

7. INCARCERATION NATION: STORIES FOR CHANGE

Landmark NITV documentary Incarceration is part of the Vivid Ideas at University of Technology, a new partner to Vivid Sydney 2021. Told through the voices of Indigenous Australians it tells the story of incarcerations and deaths in custody. A vigorous discussion with the filmmakers, including Director Dean Gibson and Indigenous experts, will call for change and justice around this important issue. 

The Australian Literature and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) is a proud Vivid Sydney partner. ALNF’s programs address a wide range of learning needs, with a particular focus on Indigenous, refugee and marginalised communities.