Media Release, May 2019

Let Their Imaginations Run Wild at Family-Friendly Vivid at Chatswood 2019

Celebrating its fifth year as a key precinct of Vivid Sydney, Willoughby City Council is excited to celebrate love, peace and harmony through a range of immersive artworks designed to spark the imagination. Vivid Sydney at Chatswood runs from the 24th of May until the 15th of June and makes for a relaxed and entertaining night for the whole family. Among the streets, laneways and public spaces you’ll find interactive artworks perfect for little ones with huge imaginations and for the big kid inside us all.

Start your family-friendly Vivid Chatswood journey with the interactive Cascading Harp located at . This grand curtain of light, colour and music symbolises the union of Eastern culture and Western technology. Children will love playing with the cotton ropes hand-dyed in pastel colours, clusters of bells, beautiful lights and soothing music which chimes in sync with the rope movement.

At , families can discover Trumpet Flowers, a giant musical flower garden inspired by vintage gramophones. Artist Simone Chua is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive, playful works in various experimental forms. “At Vivid Chatswood artists are able to transform environments into memorable experiences which invite real audience interaction. There is no greater reward than seeing your artwork bring joy to so many,” says Simone.

Another art installation sure to captivate children is Woodie, the free-moving robot, located at Mills Lane. Woodie draws on the ground with luminescent chalk and his designs are lit by ultraviolet light - children will love the playground he creates! Woodie shows how robots can work in our urban environments in peaceful ways.

The majestic elm tree of the Ether Elm is designed to help people tap into their inner child. Sing, laugh, talk or whisper to the trees to activate engaging light sequences generated by different tonal patterns. The work is representative of the effect we have on the environment, and the idea that what is given to the world is given back to us – an important message for today’s generation.

The larger-than-life 3D projection artworks displayed on the sails of The Concourse feature mesmerising stories designed to delight young minds. Digital Odyssey by Alice Peacock playfully explores the impact of social media and technology upon human connection. Families can also enjoy the 22m high Bella Vista Ferris Wheel beautifully lit with LEDs located on Spring Street. Ride to the top for a magical experience and a view to remember.

Once you’ve enjoyed the artworks, be sure to stop by for some fun activities! Put your putt-putt skills to the test with glow-in-the-dark Mini Golf, or pop in to our creative Workshops and make some glow-in-the-dark-slime. There is also complimentary glow-in-the-dark hair, nails and temporary tattoos available Thursdays and Saturdays.

After being swept up with endless photo opportunities and interactive installation fun, consider concluding your family outing with one of the outstanding dining experiences Chatswood has to offer. If you’re looking for an easy, fun-filled evening for mum, dad and the kids, Vivid Chatswood truly has it all.

Vivid Sydney in Chatswood runs from 24 May to 15 June and is suitable for all ages and abilities. The whole site is accessible for prams and strollers. Find out more at http://www.visitchatswood.com.au/vivid-2019/

For interviews and high res images, please contact: WordStorm PR | Emma O’Brien | E: [email protected] | T: 02 8272 3209

Vivid Sydney at Chatswood is run by Willoughby City Council and is supported by , Chatswood Interchange and Westfield Chatswood. The precinct is accessible, easily reached via public transport and there is local parking available. Vivid Sydney in Chatswood runs from 24 May to 15 June and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. Celebrating its eleventh anniversary in 2019, Vivid Sydney is continually setting the benchmark for world class events, creativity and innovation. It will transform the Harbour City into a colourful creative canvas from the 24 May to 15 June, 2019. The Festival features spectacular largescale light installations and projections; contemporary and cutting-edge music performances and collaborations; public talks by renowned thought leaders, industry seminars, conferences and creativity workshops, all celebrating Sydney’s place as the creative industries hub of the Asia-Pacific. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, and in 2018 attracted 2.25 million attendees. For more information visit vividsydney.com

-ENDS-

For interviews and high res images, please contact: WordStorm PR | Emma O’Brien | E: [email protected] | T: 02 8272 3209