Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney is renowned as an innovative, world-class event with something available for people of all ages and tastes.
"Vivid Sydney continues to attract attention from around the globe and the 2019 festival will once again shine a light on our city, entertain and delight our residents and visitors and give local operators a business boost," Mr Ayres said.
"Vivid Sydney reinforces the city's standing as the creative hub of the Asia-Pacific region and the demand for thought-provoking, challenging, exciting and entertaining events as part of this program clearly remains strong.
"In 2018, Vivid Sydney welcomed 2.25 million attendees and generated almost $173 million in tourism spend for NSW, which is an unprecedented outcome among arts and culture events in Australia.
"Vivid Sydney's own social media posts in the week following program launch reached 2.67 million people – now is the time for Sydneysiders and visitors from far and wide to plan their trip to make the most of this signature event on our State's calendar."
Vivid Sydney 2019 highlights include:
- Game Changer Series: Spike Lee on Films, Politics and Race - a discussion with the Academy Award winning director, moderated by Rhoda Roberts AO
- Curve Ball at Carriageworks - an electronic and indie warehouse party featuring Hayden James, Mallrat and more
- Installations and projections by Pixar Animation Studios on the Argyle Cut celebrating 30 years of animation, and Samsung, which will use the latest technology to light up First Fleet Park.
Many of Vivid Sydney's events are free to access, including the three-kilometre light walk throughout the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. Light installations also extend into nearby precincts including Taronga Zoo, Luna Park and Chatswood.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase, said the festival, now in its eleventh year, had grown exponentially.
"Last year Vivid Sydney saw a record 185,887 travel packages sold to domestic and international visitors, including 60 per cent growth in take up from the Australian market," Ms Chipchase said.
"In its inaugural year Vivid Sydney attracted 225,000 attendees, compared with 2.25 million in 2018. The tourism spend has also grown by 6500 per cent, from $2.6 million in 2009 to almost $173 million last year.
"In 2019 we are excited to welcome international powerhouses such as Esther Perel, Spike Lee, The Cure, FKA Twigs, Pixar Animation Studios and Samsung to the line-up. We are confident these events and installations will inspire new audiences to experience Vivid Sydney for the first time, and encourage avid fans to return once again."
Vivid Sydney will take place from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June in Sydney.
The full 2019 Vivid Sydney media kit, program and high-res imagery including 2019 Vivid Sydney light renders and broadcast quality video footage of 2018 festival highlights are available to download at vividsydney.com/media-centre
