Illuminate Adelaide officially kicks off its second installment on July 1 and the mid-winter festival is bringing to town a whole host of local, national and international artists and companies to fill the city’s streets and laneways with art and music, including a headline concert by the Gorillaz.
Illuminate Adelaide co-founders and creative directors, Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge said, “after an overwhelming response to our inaugural program in 2021 we are delighted to announce for 2022 an expanded program of experiences, installations, and performances showcasing the very best examples of the convergence of art and technology our city and the world has to offer right now.”
Across the month of July, the city will become a beacon for art, loaded up with installations, performances and events. The program consists of both free and ticketed events with a splattering of immersive experiences that can make choosing what to go see and do somewhat difficult. In order to help, here’s a selection of free events we think you should check out.
1. We Will Slam You With Our Wings
What is it: Operatic video installation by Adelaide artist, performer and choreographer Joanna Dudley.
Why you should see it: We Will Slam You With Our Wings is an Australian premiere that repurposes some of history’s most sexist speeches and with the help of army of six young girls transforms them into an intergenerational war cry. It is a show of solidarity, a show of strength and a show of power.
When is it: 15 to 31 July
Where is it: Mortlock Wing at the State Library of South Australia
More info2. City Lights
What is it: Immersive installations, artworks and large-scale activations
Why you should see it: This is Illuminate Adelaide’s city-wide centrepiece and it’s making a grand return with a new series of installations that will glow when the sun sets (from 6pm-11pm) each night. The site-specific works, of which there are 40, have been created by artists from all around the world.
Highlights include works by Filip Roca, an unreal photobooth designed by Alycia Bennet, a visual examination of the English language, light projections on the North Terrace, a large-scale interactive LED cube, and a laser sensor melody creator.
When is it: 15 to 31 July
Where is it: Everywhere
More info3. Lacunae
What is it: Hybrid-media dance party
Why you should see it: Tasmanian tech-art collective Soma Lumia recreates their Mona-Foma installation in South Australia where via live-feed you can dance in silhouette form with people in different locations. This is also a part of City Lights.
When is it: 15 July to 30 July
Where is it: Three locations (South Australian Museum, Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, Walkway Gallery Bordertown)
More info4. New Light
What is it: Experimental and diverse moving image works
Why you should see it: Contemporary First Nations artists are once again creating short experimental projection works dealing with complex and complicated concepts.
When is it: 1 July to 31 July
Where is it: Adelaide Festival Centre
More info5. Illuminate Discussion
What is it: Conversation with OUCHHH Studio’s Ferdi Alici and Eylul Alici
Why you should see it: Science and technology are at the forefront of new art, and OUCHHH Studio is at the intersection of it all with a unique artistic interdisciplinary philosophy. They’re the team behind this year’s Wisdom of AI Light.
When is it: 18 July, 4-5pm
Where is it: The LAB @ Light
More info6. Base Camp
What is it: Where adventures begin.
Why you should see it: Ice-skating rink plus great food and drink, this is Adelaide’s winter village during Illuminate Adelaide.
When is it: 1 July to 31 July
Where is it: Victoria Square
More info