About Us

Illuminated sculptures of cowboys on horses at night, set against a dark sky with trees in the background.

What is Parrtjima?

Parrtjima is a spectacular award-winning FREE 10-night festival set in the breathtaking Red Centre. Celebrating its 11th edition this year, Parrtjima continues to illuminate the world’s oldest living culture through modern technology. This year it features an incredible program including immersive large-scale light installations and soundscapes, workshops, music, and short films.

The Arrernte word Parrtjima (pronounced par-chee-ma) means to shine a light on something, in both the physical and enlightenment sense. True to its name, the festival shines a light on the power of the world’s oldest living culture, inviting visitors to engage with installations and experiences that weave together ancient traditions and contemporary expressions.

Where does Parrtjima take place?

Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

When does Parrtjima take place?

Parrtjima will return to illuminate the world's oldest living culture in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) from 10-19 April.

Parrtjima is the meeting place where old meets new. It is the first of its kind authentic Aboriginal light festival, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through modern technology – all on the 300-million-year-old natural canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.

Each year this free event celebrates the ways in which artists evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to Country and culture. Parrtjima is held on Mparntwe (Alice Springs), which is connected to the estates of Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme. This also includes a network of people who have connections to these areas; some of whom have established the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group (PFRG) to guide and help create Parrtjima.

Together, they invite visitors to come and experience Parrtjima, and watch the desert come alive with new artworks, light shows and a program of performances, interactive workshops, music and talks.

A person kneels beside a child who touches a glowing, patterned cylindrical structure, casting intricate shadows on the ground at night.

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Parrtjima is an extraordinary FREE 10-night festival in the stunning Red Centre, with an incredible program featuring light installations, artworks, workshops, music and talks.