Vivid Sydney was founded in 2009 by lighting designer Mary-Anne Kyriakou who was inspired by European light festivals. One of Kyriakou’s goals was to raise awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. The event was headlined by English musician and composer Brian Eno, a pioneer of ambient music. Eno often uses light installations during his performances. During the first Vivid Sydney, he collaborated with lighting designer Bruce Ramus to project a light painting onto the Sydney Opera House.
What began as a small light festival has since grown to become a major event which attracts over 2 million people. Its program combines a mesmerizing free outdoor exhibition of light installations and sculptures (Vivid Light), a cutting-edge contemporary music program (Vivid Music), and a creative industry forum (Vivid Ideas).
Vivid Light is a free public exhibition of light sculptures, installations and projections which transforms Sydney into a wonderland of light art and interactive activities. Leading lighting artists and designers use Sydney’s buildings and landmarks as their canvas. Some of the sites that have been transformed into works of light art during Vivid Sydney include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the University of Sydney, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, The Star Sydney, Carriageworks, and others.
Vivid Music is a contemporary music festival which encompasses different styles and genres. It features an eclectic range of live performances by local and international performers and presents groundbreaking music collaborations you won’t be able to witness anywhere else. The musicians perform at a variety of large and small venues across Sydney, from the Opera House and other large venues to cozy bars and pubs.
Finally, Vivid Ideas is the most important ideas exchange forum in the Asia-Pacific region. It is a celebration of creativity, innovation and community which aims to build markets and audience for the creative industries and offer professional development opportunities. Its program features everything and anything related to the innovation sector, from architecture and design to technology and visual content. Creative thinkers and business leaders from around the world participate in public talks, debates, conventions and other events hosted by Vivid Ideas.
Photo: vividsydney.com
