Inspired by the fiftieth anniversary of Woodstock, Vivid Sydney at Chatswood runs from 24 May to 15 June and will reflect iconic values of love, peace and harmony through installations of light, symphonies of music and an exploration of challenging ideas. The festival showcases innovative, cutting-edge techniques that explore how these 1969 values relate to our modern world now and in the future.
Willoughby City Council will be participating in Vivid Sydney 2019 for the fifth year, transforming Chatswood CBD into an interactive and immersive light gallery.
"We are delighted to once again be part of the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere," says Willoughby Council Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney. "We are confident that we have delivered our best-ever event showcasing world class talent, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area."
Every night, The Concourse will light up with the festival's hero light projection from Hungarian artist collective Limelight Academy, the world-pioneer in cutting edge 3D projection mapping. The collective, along with a specially mentored selection of emerging talent from Belgium, Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Slovakia and Australia, have produced exclusive, modern artistic content specific to the Chatswood CBD precinct.
A sensory walk created by over 35 visual artists will display light installations throughout the precinct's laneways and unique public spaces. All artworks are underpinned by the festival's central themes and are powered by certifiably renewable GreenPower. There is something for everyone this year with the Love theme appealing to young couples, interactive family-friendly works that are fun for children, and Instagramable art to enjoy with friends. Highlights include Trumpet Flowers, a giant interactive musical light garden at Chatswood Mall, the grand Cascading Harp at Chatswood Interchange, and Listen to the World, a larger-than-life heart sculpture made from recycled materials.
Vivid Music showcases quality international acts at The Concourse. Performing artists include Vince Jones, who set the benchmark for Australian Contemporary Jazz, and lead singer Lisa Fischer and her band Grand Baton, who will bring a dose of New York jazz, rock, gospel and pop. At the And Love Will Steer The Stars concert on 25 May rock meets classical music to delight visitors with songs that capture the optimism of the revolutionary year 1969.
Vivid Ideas explores some of the most pressing topics of our era and is designed to challenge, excite, shock and motivate. Join the free talk series every day at 11am–12 noon at Chatswood Chase Sydney to hear the debate on the biggest questions facing humans in the 21st Century. The Concourse also hosts the Girl Gamer ESports Oceania Festival that celebrates diversity in gaming whilst tackling the stereotypes of the industry.
Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer – Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase said the Chatswood program strengthens the reach of the much-loved festival. "In its eleventh year Vivid Sydney continues to evolve, surprise and delight and the Chatswood program for 2019 reflects that. In 2018 Vivid Sydney welcomed 2.25 million attendees and delivered over $172 million in tourism spend to the NSW economy. Chatswood offers visitors the opportunity to engage with all three pillars of the festival – Light, Music and Ideas – in one dynamic location."
Vivid Sydney at Chatswood is run by Willoughby City Council and is supported by Chatswood Chase Sydney, Chatswood Interchange and Westfield Chatswood. The precinct is accessible, easily reached via public transport and there is local parking available. Visitors can also enjoy the superb gourmet dining and great shopping the precinct has to offer year round.
Vivid Sydney in Chatswood runs from 24 May to 15 June and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
