In a first for South Australia, members of the public are invited to contribute videos and photos sharing stories about their South Australian community, culture or favourite landmark – as part of an elaborate screen display to feature in “Aus Lights on the River,” in January 2023.
The innovative multi-media light, sound and visual show, Aus Lights on the River, is making a return to Elder Park and will include a new display of a long line made up of screens of various shapes spanning more than 60 metres in length with a focus on storytelling. Organisers have also added an additional opportunity for members of the public to view the artistic display over two evenings – on January 25 and 26, 2023 – as part of Australia Day 2023 activities. The moving image will focus on stories of the people and places of South Australia including First Nations and intercultural media.
Australia Day Council of SA Chief Executive, Jan Chorley, said this new visual aspect will allow South Australians to share their favourite South Australian story.
“The theme is ‘See yourself in the story.’ We invite a diversity of different stories from members of the public about what they cherish about living in South Australia, their favourite memories, or places to visit,” Ms Chorley said.
“There will be other elements of the Aus Lights on the River that will feature First Nations peoples’ deep feelings of attachment and connection to country and the ongoing connection to the land of the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains, the Kaurna people.
“See yourself in the story screens aims to display the breadth and depth of how South Australians connect to nature and belong to country. I believe we are immensely fortunate that our natural environment ranges from magnificent mountains to beautiful beaches and hauntingly rocky arid landscape.”
“If you share your short video or photos, your story will form part of the Aus Lights on the River and you can see yourself or your community showcased on the screens.”
Widow of the late Vilmos ‘Vili’ Milsits, Rosemary, recalls Vili would regularly say, “Hungarian by birth, Australian by choice,” and said they both shared a deep connection to South Australia.
“Vili was the first one in his family to take up citizenship, and he was immensely proud to be Australian. Vili and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but here in South Australia. One of our favourite places is our cottage in the Fleurieu Peninsula where it’s so peaceful. It’s so beautiful there, we can see Kangaroo Island in the distance, and we’re also visited regularly by a curious mob of kangaroos accompanied by a big buck, the dominant male.
“I love the mixture of people that live here in Adelaide, at Vili’s, we employ more than 30 nationalities so it’s a colourful Christmas Vili’s party we have every year! I particularly love the different delicious foods different cultures bring to our country and how when they host a meal, they always insist you sit down and eat more food,” said Mrs Milsits.
To share your favourite South Australian story, log onto the See yourself in the story website page https://illuminart.com.au/seeyourself/. The deadline is 12 January 2023.
“We encourage you to submit your videos and images as quickly as possible. For the best chance at being included in the Aus Lights on the River, I recommend submitting videos and images before 12 January to give organisers and curators ample time to review.
“We are keen to hear from all pockets of South Australia, from the country to the city and all backgrounds. We are all part of the South Australian story, and we really want to share that story and people’s connection to their natural environment,” Ms Chorley said.
