Hear from leading Aboriginal voices at Parrtjima

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light returns to illuminate the Red Centre in April in more ways than one, with some of Australia’s most prominent Aboriginal identities set to participate in the In Conversation talks program, where a range of topics, from science and sport to literature and The Voice, will be discussed.

From 7-16 April 2023, the free 10-night festival will light up the night sky above Alice Springs Desert Park (ASDP), while on the ground a series of In Conversation talks will allow visitors to hear from the likes of actor Steven Oliver, marathon hero Charlie Maher, media identity Naomi Moran, scientist Corey Tutt, and former Northern Territory Senator and Olympian Nova Peris.

Musicians Richard Frankland, KAIIT and Paul Ah Chee will also feature in the talks program, as well as perform during the festival.

The theme for this year’s Parrtjima is Listening with Heart. Inspired by the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, Listening with Heart embodies the concept of coming together, meeting and taking the time to contemplate, reflect and heal.

Roxanne Ngarulya Highfold, an Aboriginal health researcher who has worked with numerous organisations, including Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and Central Land Council, will take part in a talk on Tuesday, 11 April on the topic of ‘The spirit of Alice’.

“The thump of the feet on the red soil, red dust rising, singing against the wind, hearing the whispers of our ancestors, you know then this is Mparntwe,” she said.

Parrtjima favourites also return, with the MacDonnell Ranges lightshow to light up the 300-million-year-old landmark as a natural canvas, and Grounded installation to animate the red dirt at Alice Springs Desert Park.

The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima features a full program, with music and talks already announced, and details of workshops and films coming soon. To find out what more, or to register for the event, visit parrtjimaaustralia.com.au