100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media callCredit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#vividsydney
The countdown to Vivid Sydney 2023 has officially begun, with today marking 100 days until the festival’s Lights On moment at 6pm on Friday 26 May.
Celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, Australia’s largest festival will dazzle and delight audiences for 23 days and nights across four pillars this year - Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas and the brand new Vivid Food.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said Vivid Sydney was one of Australia’s best events and a vital economic driver for NSW during the winter months.
“Vivid Sydney is NSW’s biggest annual event and makes a vital social and economic contribution to our state. From our creative industries to entertainment and hospitality venues, accommodation and retailers, it supports and creates jobs across the NSW economy,” Mr Franklin.
“Last year Vivid Sydney was attended by over 2.5 million people and injected $119 million into the NSW economy. With internationals borders fully reopening, we’re anticipating this year’s festival to be our biggest and best yet.
“Vivid Sydney 2023 promises to be a significant driver for domestic and international visitors to travel to NSW and attend Australia’s brightest event and immerse themselves in our city.”
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin, Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini and First Nations artist Maree Clarke at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Minister for Tourism and Arts Ben Franklin, Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini and First Nations artist Maree Clarke at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
A preview into some of the Vivid Sydney 2023 highlights includes:
- The Vivid Sydney Light Walk will return in 2023, with more than 49 light installations and 3D projections along the 8.5km illuminated walk
- The internationally acclaimed, multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sounds, Lightscape, will transform The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney for the first time at Vivid Sydney
- First Nations artist Maree Clarke’s Barerarerungar will be projected on the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Internationally renowned Jen Lewin’s The Last Ocean will enthral audiences following its 2022 debut at Burning Man
- Brand new festival pillar Vivid Food will activate across venues in Sydney’s CBD showcasing a variety of creativity, innovation and culinary experiences, from pop up restaurants to haute cuisine celebrating the city’s vibrant and diverse food culture.
Vivid Sydney 2023 will illuminate and energise various locations throughout the city, including Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line, Central Station and Sydney icons such as the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Museum of Contemporary Art and more.
Vivid Sydney is proudly owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. The complete program for Vivid Sydney 2023 will be announced in mid-March. For more information, and to keep updated on the program, visit vividsydney.com
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
First Nations artist Maree Clarke and Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
First Nations artist Maree Clarke and Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
First Nations artist Maree Clarke at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
First Nations artist Maree Clarke at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
100 DAYS OUT: A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME FOR VIVID SYDNEY 2023
Lightscape, The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
For the very first time, the internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sound, Lightscape is coming to The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, as part of Vivid Sydney 2023. Lightscape is a timed-entry event and sells out across the world.
Tickets are available now: vividsydney.com/lightscape
Barerarerungar, Maree Clarke, Museum of Contemporary Art
Maree Clarke is a Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, Boonwurrung artist and designer. Barerarerungar means ‘Country' in Boonwurrung and will be projected on the Museum of Contemporary Art. The impressive, stunning projection will pay tribute to practices on Country, while also creating a space for communal reflection at the heart of Vivid Sydney.
The Last Ocean, Jen Lewin, Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo Reserve
This massive, interactive, tessellated 'ice sheet' is made of recycled ocean plastic that shifts colour and shape beneath your feet. The Last Ocean, which made its debut at Burning Man in 2022, will be the largest ever installation at Vivid Sydney.
For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini at the 100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call.
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call Credit: Destination NSW
100 days to Vivid Sydney 2023 media call
MEDIA CONTACT:
Vanessa Gregory, Ogilvy PR
PH: 0432 882 756
E: vanessa.gregory@ogilvy.com.au
Emily Fookes, Ogilvy PR
PH: 0438 854 883
E: emily.fookes@ogilvy.com.au
Jenna Whyte, Destination NSW
PH: 0484 719 536
E: jenna.whyte@dnsw.com.au
NOTE TO EDITORS
Download media assets including a VNR with grabs from Minister Ben Franklin, Festival Director Gill Minervini and Vivid Light artist, Maree Clark, 100 Days sizzle, and Light assets from the Vivid Sydney News Room: vividsydney.com/news-room
ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY
Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest festival celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforms Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 13th year in 2023, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
#feelnewsydney
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
null
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.