Are you heading straight to see the Opera House, or do you prefer a stroll around the Rocks first? Whether you like to be outside under the stars or prefer to check out all the immersive art, there’s something for everyone at Vivid this year.
WATCH: Vivid Sydney 2022 light reel
As the nights get cooler and darker, Vivid Sydney returns and light’s up the city from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June.
For the 2022 program, 11 Sydney CBD locations will ignite, including Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Taronga Zoo.
Staged over 23 nights, the festival will deliver mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, uplifting live music performances and deep-dive discussions.
The festival program is categorised into three divisions: Vivid Light, Vivid Ideas and Vivid Music.
With over 200 events to see and experience, we’ve rounded up the 8 best must-sees you’ll want to add to your itinerary
Vivid light
1. Ken Done
Showcasing 25 Sydney-based artists, the Vivid light program features work from a vast array of artists, including the renowned Ken Done. In collaboration with Spinifex Group, Done’s work will be projected onto the façade of landmark Customs House.
2. The light walk
The renowned Light Walk hosts 62 light collaborators and 114 light artists from 5 countries and stretches continuously for 8km. Linking the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, more than 200 LED sculptural birds are guiding the way as part of the Future Natives installation.
3. Sydney Opera House
Celebrating Australia’s rich First Nations culture, the Sails of the Sydney Opera House will be transformed into an impressive new digital artwork, Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground, 2021 by the Martu Artists and creative technologists Curiious, with soundtrack by Electric Fields and Martu Artists (inspired by Yarrkalpa – Always Walking Country 2014).
4. Cockle Bay
In a festival first, the waters of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour, will dance with the showstopping Sydney Infinity by Oracle Liquid, an epic water sculpture in a scale never seen before in Australia. Featuring dynamic jets, 12 x 80m high water shooters and dramatic lighting supported by a Sydney inspired soundtrack from DJ Pee Wee Ferris, this is set to be an audience favourite.
5. Walsh Bay
Also on water, Walsh Bay will come alive with a 100m floating Light Walk incorporating the largescale artwork Ephemeral Oceanic. Produced by Sydney’s own Atelier Sisu, visitors are invited to walk under more than 200 giant, bubble-like spheres hovering eight metres in the air.
Vivid Ideas
Vivid Ideas brings together the world’s brightest minds and fearless global storytellers, exploring the forces that shape not only Sydney’s unique society, but all great cities around the world. With more than 85 intriguing talks and workshops on offer, Vivid Ideas explores the forces shaping our society, and starting conversations that continue long after the festival has ended.
6. Sydney’s State Theatre with Aaron Sorkin
Headlining the Ideas Program are Global Storytellers including Oscar and Emmy award-winning theatre and film director, screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, renowned for film and TV shows such as The West Wing, The Social Network, A Few Good Men and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Aaron will discuss politics and drama with renowned Australian broadcast journalist Leigh Sales at Sydney’s State Theatre.
7. Gretchen Carlson
A fearless advocate for women’s rights, American broadcast journalist, author and television personality Gretchen Carlson shares her story that inspired the blockbuster movie Bombshell with The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson. Gretchen will reveal how she helped to pave the way for the global #MeToo movement and advocated to end the silencing of harassment victims through forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements.
Vivid Music
8. Marcia Hines
Taking a deep dive into Sydney’s diverse and dynamic music communities, Vivid Music 2022 showcases a line-up of Sydney’s most potent artist talent.
In a Vivid Music exclusive, legendary Australian music icon Marcia Hines who will enliven audiences with The Gospel according to Marcia, in a world-premiere show for two-nights only in the uplifting surrounds of St Stephen’s Uniting Church. Marcia will be joined by a 12-piece band and choir set against an atmospheric bespoke lighting backdrop, celebrating the sounds of her gospel roots.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
