LIGHTING UP THE PUBLIC REALM
31 May 2017
Now in its ninth year, Vivid Sydney demonstrates the brilliant way in which urban centres are attempting to stimulate citizen engagement in public spaces during winter months.
This year, Vivid Sydney is hoping to surpass its previous record of two million visitors attending the range of light installations throughout the city of Sydney. The installations range from large scale light shows to intricate public art figurines adorning the sides of harbour ferries. All of these charming installations will remain in place between May 26 and June 17.
In an effort to revitalise attendance to one of Sydney’s best-known attractions, the City of Sydney has ramped up the participation of the Royal Botanic Gardens, bringing attendees nights filled with illuminated plant life.
Rock walls, tree canopies and the trunks of 100-year-old Ficus plants will be transformed into living canvases as Vivid Sydney artists’ unleash their creativity and put the environment in the spotlight. The installations combine a range of lighting displays and audio technology to captivate the audience with the Botanic Garden’s natural beauty and bring to light a range of important conservation issues. 
Art, technology, flora and fauna will combine in a captivating showcase of light installations featuring cutting edge developments in projection, lighting and sound that will entertain and delight visitors as well as explore important conservation issues.
Executive Director Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Kim Ellis said, “Vivid Sydney is an awe-inspiring festival of light that dazzles and entertains us all with its brilliant cacophony of colours. It is also a powerful platform for artists and creative thinkers to challenge, provoke and encourage visitors to ponder bigger issues.”
“This year’s lights will help spread a valuable message around sustainability and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems, delivered in the most captivating, natural botanical environment of all, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.”
The illuminating displays feature a range of native plant life, such as the emblematic waratah; crowd favourite garden varieties, such as large potted sunflowers; and a range of birdlife installations that highlight the importance of harmonious coexistence with the environment.
