NSW shines in Aquabumps series

News 2 years ago | By Destination NSW

Seal Rocks, Mid North Coast Credit: Destination NSW

Seal Rocks, Mid North Coast

#feelnew #feelnsw

SUPPORTING IMAGES & VIDEOS SUPPORTING IMAGES & VIDEOS
1 May 2022 NSW shines in Aquabumps series Spectacular new scenic imagery of New South Wales destinations will be shared across social platforms globally from today with the launch of a seven-part content collaboration with world renowned content creator, Eugene Tan. Produced in partnership with the NSW Government as part of the <a href="https://youtu.be/sf739RKj8Uk">Feel New South Wales</a> campaign, the content series takes Tan right across the state to capture the beaches of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads on NSW’s North Coast, as well as Lord Howe Island. In a dramatic departure from Tan’s typical coastal photo subject matter, Tan also captures the dramatic desert landscape of Outback NSW in Broken Hill. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the collaboration speaks to the state’s fresh new approach to marketing NSW.  “The ‘Feel New’ campaign is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Ayres said. “Content and social media has never played a more important role in helping us discover our next holiday destination. Through Aquabumps, Eugene has ensured his work is eagerly anticipated and shared on social media by millions of people each week. “His shots are powerful, emotive and distinctive. Who better to capture some of NSW’s most stunning locations and introduce prospective visitors from around the world to the incredible products and experiences our state has to offer?”  Ten destinations feature in the Feel NSW Aquabumps series, with the shoot style of the visual imagery supporting the seven feelings of the Feel New brand – joy, connection, freedom, awe, rejuvenation, belonging and adventure. Aquabumps founder Eugene Tan said his latest NSW series was the ultimate creative brief. “Shooting for my fine art gallery - Aquabumps has taken me to a lot of incredible destinations over the years but none are as special to me as NSW. NSW is home and where I shoot most of the time, I’m never at a loss for new places and experiences to capture in our own backyard.  “This is a magical place of contrasts, offering unique and diverse nature, coastlines and cultural experiences to everyone who visits. It was an honour to have the opportunity to do something to showcase some of this diversity.  “I hope the series inspires travellers from near and far to get out there and explore everything our state has to offer,” said Tan. The Feel NSW Aquabumps series includes the following NSW locations and will go live each week from today until 6 June. <ul> <li>NSW North Coast: Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Titenbar </li> <li>NSW Outback: Broken Hill </li> <li>NSW Snowy Mountains </li> <li>Hawkesbury River </li> <li>NSW Mid North Coast: Seal Rocks, Sandbar Beach </li> <li>Lord Howe Island </li> <li>Sydney including Vivid Sydney </li> </ul> Visit <a href="http://www.viisitnsw.com/">visitnsw.com</a> for travel inspiration and itineraries to make you #FeelNew and #FeelNSW. MEDIA CONTACTS Emma Reyes, 0424 425 813, <a href="mailto:emma.reyes@dnsw.com.au">emma.reyes@dnsw.com.au</a> Samantha Antoun, 0416 334 873, <a href="mailto:samantha.antoun@dnsw.com.au">samantha.antoun@dnsw.com.au</a> NOTE TO EDITORS: About Destination NSW Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State’s tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State’s visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions. About Feel New ‘Feel New’ is the tourism campaign launched by the NSW Government via Destination NSW in October 2021 to promote travel to and within the State. Inspired by the rich emotional benefits Sydney and NSW offer to energise its visitors like nowhere else, the campaign explores seven key brand feelings including joy, connection, freedom, awe, rejuvenation, belonging and adventure. It is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific, contributing $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030. About Aquabumps Aquabumps was founded by photographer Eugene Tan in 1999 – and today resides in Bondi as a family run business, that prides itself on good old customer service, quality and craftsmanship. What began as a daily email to friends of images captured at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Aquabumps grew organically and today Eugene’s photographs have become synonymous with coastal photography and are enjoyed by over half a million people daily all over the world.
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Hashtags #feelnew #feelnsw

Spectacular new scenic imagery of New South Wales destinations will be shared across social platforms globally from today with the launch of a seven-part content collaboration with world renowned content creator, Eugene Tan.

Produced in partnership with the NSW Government as part of the Feel New South Wales campaign, the content series takes Tan right across the state to capture the beaches of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads on NSW’s North Coast, as well as Lord Howe Island.

In a dramatic departure from Tan’s typical coastal photo subject matter, Tan also captures the dramatic desert landscape of Outback NSW in Broken Hill.

Broken Hill Credit: Destination NSW

Living Desert, Broken Hill

#feelnew #feelnsw

Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW

The Pass, Byron Bay

#feelnew #feelnsw

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the collaboration speaks to the state’s fresh new approach to marketing NSW. 

“The ‘Feel New’ campaign is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Ayres said.

“Content and social media has never played a more important role in helping us discover our next holiday destination. Through Aquabumps, Eugene has ensured his work is eagerly anticipated and shared on social media by millions of people each week.

“His shots are powerful, emotive and distinctive. Who better to capture some of NSW’s most stunning locations and introduce prospective visitors from around the world to the incredible products and experiences our state has to offer?” 

Ten destinations feature in the Feel NSW Aquabumps series, with the shoot style of the visual imagery supporting the seven feelings of the Feel New brand – joy, connection, freedom, awe, rejuvenation, belonging and adventure.

Lake Arragan, Yuraygir National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Kangaroos at Lake Arragan Campgrounds

#feelnew #feelnsw

Elizabeth Beach Credit: Destination NSW

Pacific Palms, Elizabeth Beach

#feelnew #feelnsw

Aquabumps founder Eugene Tan said his latest NSW series was the ultimate creative brief.

“Shooting for my fine art gallery - Aquabumps has taken me to a lot of incredible destinations over the years but none are as special to me as NSW. NSW is home and where I shoot most of the time, I’m never at a loss for new places and experiences to capture in our own backyard. 

“This is a magical place of contrasts, offering unique and diverse nature, coastlines and cultural experiences to everyone who visits. It was an honour to have the opportunity to do something to showcase some of this diversity. 

“I hope the series inspires travellers from near and far to get out there and explore everything our state has to offer,” said Tan.

The Feel NSW Aquabumps series includes the following NSW locations and will go live each week from today until 6 June.

NSW North Coast: Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Titenbar
NSW Outback: Broken Hill
NSW Snowy Mountains
Hawkesbury River
NSW Mid North Coast: Seal Rocks, Sandbar Beach
Lord Howe Island
Sydney including Vivid Sydney

Visit visitnsw.com for travel inspiration and itineraries to make you #FeelNew and #FeelNSW.

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Destination NSW

The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise

#feelnew #feelnewsydney

Hawksbury River Credit: Destination NSW

Hawksbury River

#feelnew #feelnsw

MEDIA CONTACTS
Emma Reyes, 0424 425 813, emma.reyes@dnsw.com.au
Samantha Antoun, 0416 334 873, samantha.antoun@dnsw.com.au

NOTE TO EDITORS:
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State’s tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State’s visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

About Feel New
‘Feel New’ is the tourism campaign launched by the NSW Government via Destination NSW in October 2021 to promote travel to and within the State. Inspired by the rich emotional benefits Sydney and NSW offer to energise its visitors like nowhere else, the campaign explores seven key brand feelings including joy, connection, freedom, awe, rejuvenation, belonging and adventure. It is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific, contributing $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.

About Aquabumps
Aquabumps was founded by photographer Eugene Tan in 1999 – and today resides in Bondi as a family run business, that prides itself on good old customer service, quality and craftsmanship. What began as a daily email to friends of images captured at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Aquabumps grew organically and today Eugene’s photographs have become synonymous with coastal photography and are enjoyed by over half a million people daily all over the world.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You 3 months ago Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event. Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream. Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.  Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific. “Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries. “I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.” Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration. “Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection. “The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past. “We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives. “Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”  The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.   Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.  This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.   While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors. Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.  “I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.” Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away. “Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.” Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.  “Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.” Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector. “Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.” Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community. “There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.” Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.” “The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.” Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city. “Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.” Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.   For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/">www.vividsydney.com</a>
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Hashtags #feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.

Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.

Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food. 

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.

“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.

“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.

“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.

“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.

“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.

“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.” 

The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.  

Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024. 

This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.  

While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own. 

“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”

Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.

“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”

Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre. 

“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.

“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”

Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.

“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”

Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”

“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.

“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.  

For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com

NSW shines in Aquabumps series