Vivid Sydney is a festival of lights, projections and art that provides an inclusive experience for those with accessibility.
Service provider LiveBig CEO Juliet Middleton said “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and experience cultural festivals such as Vivid Sydney.” So here are some tips from LiveBig for people with disability on how to make the most of the festival:
· Writers Clem Bastow and Emma A. Jane in conversation as they discuss receiving recent diagnoses of autism as adults. Their talk ‘Neurodivergence: Diagnosis Normal’ explores how diagnosis has helped them make sense of themselves and their pasts.
· Enjoy a low-sensory walk starting from Tumbalong Park with low-light installations from local artists that takes you towards Circular Quay passing through Barangaroo and Walsh Bay.
· Vivid Sydney is easily accessible through the city’s public transportation system. Make sure to have an Opal card or contactless payment method for convenient travel. The Transport for NSW website provides trip planners and accessibility information for public transport users.
· Vivid Sydney offers complimentary accessible minibus parking for guests with accessibility requirements. Limited spots are available, so book in advance through the Vivid Sydney website.
· Along the Lightwalk, Vivid Sydney provides designated accessible viewing areas at specific locations, offering unreserved seating, and visitors can bring blankets for added comfort and unobstructed views.
· For those with visual impairments, Vivid Sydney offers audio descriptions of each Lightwalk installation. Visitors can access these through QR codes on the light boxes or the audio description webpage on the Vivid Sydney website. The Cinewav app allows for an audio-visual experience, and the first 100,000 downloads per night are free.
· Information booths staffed by knowledgeable volunteers are available to provide assistance and guidance, offering online festival maps, program information and helpful tips.
· Wheelchair hire services are available, installations are wheelchair accessible with ramps provided, and accessible toilet facilities and Changing Places facilities are conveniently located along the Lightwalk. Accessible drinking fountains and water refill stations are also provided, and pathways are designed to accommodate various needs.
· Vivid Sydney welcomes assistance animals in all areas of Circular Quay and The Rocks, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.
· For further information or specific accessibility requirements go to: vivid.access@dnsw.com.au or (02) 9931 1190. The National Relay Service (NRS) is also available for individuals with hearing impairments.
Vivid Sydney takes place until June 17.