The journey from ‘painting up’ country to large-scale illuminated installations is a long one for Aboriginal artists from across the Central Desert region, and Parrtjima organisers.
This thoughtful, collaborative process, however, is what makes the festival event such a spectacular experience of culture, country, language, light and art for all to enjoy.
Artworks featured in Parrtjimacome from a call out to 40 Aboriginal art centres including artists from Arrernte, Luritja, Anmatyerre, Warlpiri and Pitjantjatjara Nations. Once the artworks are submitted, Parrtjima organisers present the creative concepts to the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group (PFRG); a network of respected Arrernte people who advise on the cultural appropriateness of those paintings for the country in which they are being displayed.
Under the guidance of the PFRG, approvals from appropriate organisations and through the artistic vision of curator, Rhoda Roberts AO, these paintings then become large-scale illuminated installations; designed to facilitate wonder and cultural respect.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is an initiative of the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) that works in collaboration with AGB Events, creative consultants and producers.
