The organisers of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light are turning their attentions upwards announcing ‘Sky Country’ as the theme for the 2022 event.
The brilliant free 10-day event commencing April 8 to 17 will illuminate Mparntwe (MacDonnell Ranges) to celebrate our place in the universe and the relationship First Nation People have with the environment. The constellations Red Centre’s desert night skies have guided generations of Arrernte across their homeland, while the birds warn of predators and the winds determine what needs harvesting.
Parrtjima keeps the flame of story and authentic Aboriginal culture alive by using the newest technology to tell ancient stories, all set against the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges. Offering a new way to look at the world, and sparking our curiosity, the Parrtjima program will tell the story of sky, air and wind through light shows, installations, art, music, talks, films, workshops and performance.
‘EVERYTHING IS WRITTEN TWICE’
AGB Events First Nations Advisor and Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO said Sky Country explores the relationship First Nations people have with the environment. “To understand our connection with the universe we have always looked two ways: everything is written twice, once in the ground and once in the sky,” she said.
“This theme focuses on our place in the universe. Knowing the sky is our first step – the passage of stories handed down about the vastness and who we are in the universe. How everything is much bigger than us and needs to be protected.
“We are thrilled to be able to shine a light on these stories and acknowledge Australia’s first scientists, first astronomers and first naturalists.”
The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima is the place where wisdom and warmth meet in the stunning Red Centre.
