A multi-sensory experience that has attracted more than 8.5 million people around the world will be the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s second New Annual festival in 2022.
Van Gogh Alive is expected to come to life in The Grand Pavilion, at Foreshore Park, from Thursday 22 September.
Created by Grande Experiences – and presented by Lexusandco-produced Andrew Kay AM in association with BBC and Fane, the digital spectacular gives visitors the unique opportunity to engage themselves in the legendary artist’s world.
And, The Grand Pavilion, a giant 70m by 25m bespoke marquee, is the largest touring showroom in the southern hemisphere and features a themed bar and café space.
“We can’t wait to unveil the extraordinarily beautiful venue, which we have designed specifically to showcase Van Gogh Alive,” Kay said.
“The Grand Pavilion is not only home to the Sensory 4TMGallery, it also features four additional immersive spaces including the ‘Instagrammable’ Van Gogh’s bedroom, Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night and the amazing infinity Sunflower Room.
“Meanwhile, the spectacular Starry Night Room allows guests to walk on air through Van Gogh’s famous painting Starry Night.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said securing Van Gogh Alive was a coup for City of Newcastle.
“It will enhance our reputation for hosting world-class events while boosting the local economy by attracting thousands of visitors to the city,” she explained.
“We’re excited to partner with Andrew Kay Management to bring the impressive Van Gogh Alive to a regional city for the first time in Australia as part of Newcastle’s New Annual festival.
“It will provide attendees with the chance to immerse themselves in the work of Van Gogh through a unique multi-sensory experience that has already been felt by 8.5 million people throughout 80 cities.
“The versatility of Foreshore Park ensures we’re able to attract major events such as this to Newcastle, which will bring an influx of visitors to our city at a time when the local tourism industry needs it most and as local operators and businesses recover from the pandemic.”
Traditions of tiptoeing through silent galleries and viewing paintings from afar are forgotten during the Van Gogh Alive experience.
Supported by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance, the artist’s masterpieces come to life, giving visitors the sensation of walking right into his paintings.
“Art galleries and museums can be quite intimidating places,” Grande Experiences founder and CEO Bruce Peterson said.
“But, it’s 2022, so it’s no longer about standing in front of a painting and staring at it quietly from afar.
“Using technology cleverly means that it’s now possible to experience art in a more inclusive way.
“Adults and children will delight in the super-scale show, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives.”
Van Gogh Alive
When: Seven days a week from 22 September
Where: Foreshore Park
Booking: vangoghalive.com.au
NB: Van Gogh Alive opens during 2022 New Annual but continues on in that space after the festival concludes
