Vivid Sydney 2023 lights up Australia’s largest museum object
Published
The Australian National Maritime Museum, from May 26 until June 17, presents Harbour Life as part of Vivid Sydney 2023. Harbour Life is a 7-minute animation and sound design projection mapped onto the museum rooftop and the HMAS Vampire, Australia's largest museum object.
Harbour Life is a unique collaboration between the Australian National Maritime Museum, award-winning Sydney-based creative projects company Artists in Motion as part of Vivid Sydney.
About Harbour Life
Harbour Life takes the audience on a journey through Australia’s marine environment through the eyes of a turtle in line with Vivid Sydney’s 2023 theme, Vivid Sydney, Naturally. It explores Indigenous maritime management, the arrival of the colonists and our shared future, focusing on conservation and management of this fragile and essential ocean ecosystem.
Harbour Life is a celebration of nature, Indigenous knowledge, creativity, culture, ocean science and the latest technology - all working with a shared passion of helping our oceans thrive into the future.
Museum Director and CEO Daryl Karp says, ‘Harbour Life is breathtaking, the creativity and expertise of Artists in Motion is extraordinary. They have worked with our curators to really create an important and beautiful piece of storytelling. We are proud to bring this part of the harbour to life in such a magnificent way for Vivid Sydney 2023 The HMAS Vampire and museum rooftop will resonate with marine life.’
Richard Lindsay CEO and Head of Creative at Artists in Motion said, “Sydney is filled with so many great icons. To get the chance to shine a light on one of them and bring it to life is always a great thrill and honour for Artists in Motion. And when you’re allowed to do it with resonance and meaning it makes it all that more purposeful. Thanks to the Maritime Museum and Vivid Sydney, we will momentarily give the HMAS Vampire a new mission. A mission that reminds us all of the significance of our waters, the wonders that surround us, and the need to protect every aspect of it. Come May 26 when Sydney lights up all over again, the Vampire will be ready for its brand-new voyage, guiding this true Sydney story.”
Harbour Life will be shown daily from May 26-June 17 from 6pm until 11pm. (best vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf).
Make Pyrmont Bridge your entry point to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk
Catch the F4 ferry or the Light Rail to Pyrmont Bay
The museum is also an excellent entry point to the 8.5km Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Catch the Ferry or the Light Rail to Pyrmont Bay, walk along the Pyrmont Bridge and get great vantage points for both Harbour Life and the light and sound show Elemental in Cockle Bay as part of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk..
You then have the choice of travelling left towards Circular Quay or right to the Goods Line and to Central Station to see the rest of the Light Walk.
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is a free 8.5km walking trail that weaves around the Sydney Harbour foreshore and passes through The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter, and more and includes projections on iconic structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Customs House, the Australian National Maritime Museum and more.
About Artists in Motion
Artists in Motion (AIM) is a creative projects company that brings together the art of storytelling, world class design, a unique sense of live entertainment and a comprehensive understanding of technology to create outstanding audience experiences. We are known for our creative expertise in ceremonies, theatre, show and arena productions, light festivals, exhibitions, expositions and installations.
AIM focuses on bespoke projects and is well known for its unique approach in engaging audiences. They are a complete creative entity that conceives, designs, produces and manages our projects from concept to delivery. They have been operating for 7 years, but their core team has a history of collaboration over 15 years. Their internal studio is home to many talented creators with an extensive family of talent located throughout various parts of the world. With this diverse team and collaboration with their clients, they continually adapt to the ever-changing demands and possibilities to create unique experiences for audiences around the world.
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.
For more information visit vividsydney.com
Image credit: Artist render of Harbour Life from Artists in Motion