The Northern Territory's iconic Parrtjima will return to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 9-18 April 2027, with acclaimed First Nations artist, designer and creative director Jacob Nash appointed as the 2027 festival curator.
Jacob's expertise spans public art, theatre, film and photography. He spent 12 years as Head of Design at Bangarra Dance Theatre, designing major works including Wudjang: Not the Past, Dark Emu, Terrain and Bennelong, for which he received the 2018 Helpmann Award for Best Scenic Design.
From 2022 to 2026, Nash was Creative Artist in Residence at Sydney Festival, where he curated First Nations programming for Blak Out. He is also a board member of Belvoir Street Theatre and works through his independent practice, Hunt Quietly Studio.
Now in its 12th instalment, Parrtjima will once again transform the Red Centre with large-scale light installations celebrating Aboriginal culture, stories, language and connection to Country, live music, performances, workshops, talks, and markets, all shaped and guided by First Nations voices.
The free 10-night, all-ages festival will feature captivating new light installations alongside a program of workshops, demonstrations and interactive experiences, with markets, a program of masterclasses, music, storytelling and activities for the whole family.
Parrtjima 2027 will continue to celebrate the depth and diversity of Aboriginal cultures and creativity, while showcasing Mparntwe and the Red Centre as a destination for extraordinary cultural experiences.
Delivered by Tourism and Events NT in partnership with We Are Gather. Parrtjima 2026 attracted more than 22,700 attendances, delivering the festival's highest-ever opening weekend, including the second-largest opening night. Interstate visitation reached 6,000 attendances, highlighting strong national demand for Parrtjima's unique cultural offering.
The festival returns amid growing international recognition for the Red Centre's immersive art scene, which was named among Lonely Planet's World's Top 25 Experiences in Best in Travel 2027, with Parrtjima highlighted as one of the region's must-see cultural attractions.
Parrtjima 2026 also injected almost $11.8 million into the Northern Territory economy, with $10.69 million directly benefiting Alice Springs. The festival featured works by more than 27 Aboriginal artists across 7 major installations and showcased over 10 performers and special guests.
