03 Jun 2022

Illuminate Adelaide switches on in Renmark

Australia’s newest major event turns on the switch in regional South Australia, with In Depth in Renmark officially opening today.

For the next four weeks, a large-scale multimedia event by Craig Walsh, local artists and community members will take over the central riverbank precinct adjacent to the Renmark Club.

Projection, sound and lighting will transform the river and banks after dark, drawing people to experience an unexpected encounter, rich in history and mythologies related to this time and place.

Australian artist and creative producer Craig Walsh is internationally known for his pioneering approaches to site-responsive installations, sculpture and projection mapping unconventional sites. His works have animated natural and built environments and features such as trees, rivers and mountains, as well as public art projects in urban and architectural space.

Taking place on Erawirung Country, In Depth includes the Ngurunderi dreaming story and highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of the land and the river to the traditional owners throughout the Murray River system. It is narrated by Ngurunderi man and Riverland local Shane Karpany. Sound design by Brett Canning with assistance from Year 10 Service-Learning students at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School.

Joining Craig Walsh will be Carla O’Brien’s Neon Winter installation. Neon Winter invites festivalgoers to embrace the chill while they wander through the installations to capture the perfect glowing photo.

In Depth is one of three regional installations of Illuminate Adelaide this winter and follows the success of regional activations in Mount Gambier and Tumby Bay in Illuminate Adelaide’s inaugural year, when more than 16,000 visitors revelled in the celebration of innovation, art, light, music and technology in 2021.

The regional presentations are an initiative supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission, in partnership with innovative regional councils and award-winning artists, with the aim to shine a light on South Australia in winter and drive visitation across the state.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex welcomed the “highly anticipated” Illuminate Adelaide presentation to Renmark.

“The Riverland region has been eagerly awaiting this installation of Illuminate Adelaide, and it’s sensational to see it light up the riverbank precinct for the whole month,” Mr Harrex said.

“Tourism is worth $232 million to the Riverland and supports 1,500 jobs across the region – to be extending the benefits of our state’s new major annual event to this region is hugely valuable for the local economy and community.

“I encourage locals and visitors alike to head to Renmark in the heart of the Riverland, and enjoy this spectacular show as well as the many experiences in region, from world-class gin and wine to popular family holiday parks and boutique riverside accommodation.”

Illuminate Adelaide Co-Founders and Creative Directors Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge said they are committed to programming and presenting a series of satellite events that explore art, light and technology in SA’s regions.

“We are excited to bring In Depth to the Riverland in Renmark. This is a work by Australian artist Craig Walsh and will bring the riverbank to life.”

In Depth 2022 | Renmark

When: Friday 3 June – Saturday 2 July
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Where: Murray River, adjacent to Renmark Club, Renmark, Riverland.

For program details, see illuminateadelaide.com.