Parrtjima - A Festival in Light will dazzle visitors and invite them to immerse in Aboriginal culture when it returns in 2024 from 12-21 April.
Held each year alongside the ancient MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, Parrtjima brings to life the art and stories of First Nations people through innovative light installations that invite visitors to immerse themselves.
Independent research highlighted the 2023 festival attracted 20,271 attendances to the event, along with generating $9.2 million into the Territory and Central Australia economy.
Rhoda Roberts AO will return as Parrtjima Curator in 2024 with next year's theme highlighting the importance of interconnectedness in Aboriginal culture and of the bond we have with all forms of life.
A special Parrtjima installation was also front and centre at Facing North in Canberra this week.
To register and attend the event visit www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au [http://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/]
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles:
"Parrtjima - A Festival in Light is one of Alice Springs' most highly anticipated events each year for locals and tourists.
"The benefits of events cannot be overstated, and independent research shows Parrtjima 2023 generated a total expenditure stimulus of over $9 million into the Territory and Alice Springs community. This is what quality events and projects do.
"This week we have been in Canberra - telling the whole story - from jobs, projects, investment and tourism. Parrtjima is an event which attracts locals and visitors to the red centre, which is good news for tourism operators, accommodation providers and the Territory as a whole."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
"We are delighted to bring back Parrtjima to Alice Springs which this year falls over some part of the school holidays across most jurisdictions in Australia.
"This family-friendly event is a must-do, with something for everyone from stunning installations, talks and music on the program each year.
"The research has proven once again why Parrtjima is loved by visitors with 44.1% of attendees likely to return next year."
Quotes attributable to Parrtjima Curator, Rhoda Roberts AO:
"The theme for Parrtjima 2024 will highlight the importance of interconnectedness in Aboriginal culture and of the bond we have with all forms of life.
"Everything is living in Aboriginal culture and in the old ways the approach was one of sharing and working together.
"Our ancestors were living under strict social structures and belief systems where everything was interrelated from the land and waterways to our sky country.
"This way of being has sustained and unified Aboriginal people for thousands of years, passed down from generation to generation.
"Along with resilience that's tinged with laughter, interconnectedness blankets the wisdom we are reminded to experience and absorb. I look forward to exploring these concepts at Parrtjima 2024."
Northern Territory Government
