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Sunrise Journeys, a brand-new immersive laser, light, and sound show celebrating the connection to Country, has premiered at the spiritual heart of Australia, Ayers Rock Resort in Uluṟu.

The early morning sensory experience transforms the vast desert landscape into a massive canvas, spanning the size of three football fields (200m by 300m). Modern Indigenous artwork is brought to life in a vibrant display of color and sound, using cutting-edge animation technology to highlight the artistic expertise of the Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu.

This two-hour storytelling journey culminates in nature’s most spectacular show — the dawn of a new day, as Uluṟu glows with a fire-ember red brilliance.

Art, Nature, and Culture – A Modern Homage:

A deep connection to and respect for the natural environment is fundamental to Aṉangu culture.

At the heart of Sunrise Journeys is a unique painting created by three renowned female Aṉangu artists — Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art), and Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art).

Titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, meaning “our Country is truly beautiful” in Pitjantjatjara, the painting portrays a modern interpretation of the artists’ shared bond with these lands. During Sunrise Journeys, this artwork is brought to life on the desert landscape through laser, light, and video projections, with narration from the artists themselves, deepening guests’ understanding of the natural world’s rhythms.

Denise Brady of Kaltukatjara Art expresses the significance of the Sunrise Journeys collaboration: “Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world. We have created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and share our way of life.”

The experience is further enriched by a musical score composed by local Aṉangu musician Jeremy Whiskey from the Indulkana community in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara Lands.

Cutting-Edge Tech in the Outback

The creative vision of the group has been brought to life by Mandylights, a renowned Australian visual experience team known for their expertise in light artistry. Mandylights has illuminated iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and created the large-scale “Dark Spectrum” installation for Sydney’s Vivid 2024. Their impressive portfolio also includes projects like the Backstreet Boys’ Las Vegas residency, Dubai New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the Chayong International Light Festival in Beijing.

Uluṟu, one of the world’s most remote locations, presents unique challenges and opportunities for technological artistry. At a sustainably constructed open-air amphitheater, six 30-watt lasers, seven 12-kilowatt projectors, and 30 bright field lights work in harmony to tell a spectacular visual story. A state-of-the-art audio surround system with spatialized audio tracks enhances the experience, immersing the audience as if they were in a movie theater.

To create the stunning visuals, Mandylights designers meticulously traced a high-resolution photograph of the painting by hand, dividing it into over 170 digital “pieces.” These pieces were then animated with video and laser software to synchronize with the music’s tempo and the artists’ narration, resulting in a truly immersive experience.

“When the audience witnesses finches emerge from the bush plants, a flock of cockatoos rise in laser lights, and the rippling lines of dry creek beds and sand dunes, they are seeing elements from the original artwork brought to life with the latest animation technology,” says Richard Neville, CEO, Mandylights.

Respecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property

This modern yet culturally rich experience builds on Ayers Rock Resort’s dedication to community engagement, leadership, and respectful tourism practices. The resort set a new industry standard for Indigenous collaboration and the respectful handling of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) with the launch of Wintjiri Wiru in May 2023, and Sunrise Journeys continues to uphold this commitment.

Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operators of Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu, stated, “Sunrise Journeys enhances our dedication to authentic, meaningful, and responsible cultural tourism. It is an honor and privilege to collaborate with the region’s leading artists and to share their profound connection to the natural environment.”

For thousands of years, art has played such an important part in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong. Artwork painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a unique way – here, in its desert home. “

“We’re grateful to Denise, Selina, Valerie and Jeremy for sharing their art with the world, and for the opportunity to deepen visitors’ appreciation for Aṉangu culture and the natural beauty of Uluṟu.”