Northern Territory events showcased in new campaign to attract Australians

A new campaign - ‘Events that bring the different’ - has been launched to inspire Australians to visit, experience and participate in unique Northern Territory events.

The campaign will promote the entire NT annual events calendar and use five Territorian events as a hook to further promote the Territory to interstate visitors, including:

• Parrtjima: A Festival in Light, a free 10-night festival in Alice Springs from 8th to 17th April 2022

• Taste of Kakadu 2022, a culinary and cultural festival held in the Kakadu region in May 2022

• Darwin Festival, Australia’s hottest winter arts festival in Darwin from 4th to 21st August 2022 

• Desert Mob 2022, a celebration of contemporary Aboriginal art that includes an exhibition, talks and art market in Alice Springs from 8th September to 23rd October 2022; and

• 2022 Desert Song Festival, a 10 day festival in Alice Springs from 9th to 18th September 2022.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events Natasha Fyles notes “Australia’s most unique and unforgettable festivals and events are right here in the Territory. Whether it’s experiencing our authentic Aboriginal art and culture, or our street art and film festivals, the NT has so much to offer visitors.

“This campaign is designed to highlight the Territory, and motivate would-be travellers to book a trip to experience our distinctive and world class attractions.”

The only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, is set to return to Alice Springs next month, with an incredible program showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth. 

The free 10-night festival offers something for the whole family. In addition to the workshops and demonstrations, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light features large-scale light installations, performances, music, films and talks, hosted by Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts and journalist Narelda Jacobs. Set against the stunning 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges, Parrtjima shares age-old stories and culture through state-of-the-art technology.

Attendees interested in hands-on activities can register for a range of workshops including screen printing, run by Shaun Edwards of social enterprise House of Darwin and creative powerhouse Nina Fitzgerald, a live pottery demonstration and skills tutorial, led by the artistic team at Hermannsburg Potters, and seed jewellery making with Ikuntji Artists. 

Those who enjoy painting can sign up for a workshop with the Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, highlighting social commentary in watercolour, or an earring-painting workshop taught by local artist Zoe Fitzpatrick. Guests can also sign up for a collaborative Indigenous painting workshop using traditional iconography with Warlpiri artists of the Warlukurlangu Art Centre.

In addition, the talented team at GUTS Dance will conduct a series of movement workshops for anyone inspired by their opening night performance, while professional rapper, drummer and music composer DOBBY will lead an interactive drumming workshop for everyone from novices right through to virtuosos. 

This year’s theme is Sky Country, and visitors will also have the chance to learn about sky stories through sand drawing, and explore the history of the boomerang at demonstrations presented by Maruku Arts.

Parrtjima is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and produced by Creative Directors AGB Events. NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said he was thrilled to see another stellar program on offer for locals and visitors alike.

The campaign ‘Events that bring the different’ includes travel deals and packages and is in market nation-wide up to 30th June 2022.

Event organisers in the NT are encouraged to list and update their events on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) to ensure they are included on Tourism NT’s events portal: northernterritory.com/things-to-do/festivals-and-events.

For more information on Parrtjima 

Image top: Parrtjima 2021 Revolving Kultcha and image above: GUTS dance to host dance movement workshops for Parrtjima Festival