The Ghan, Australia’s most beloved train, has been transformed into a moving piece of Aboriginal art.
Tourism Northern Territory has collaborated with NT Major Events Company, Journey Beyond, AGB Events and Aboriginal artist Chantelle Mulladad to create the jaw-dropping remodel.
The Ghan’s makeover
Chantelle Mulladad’s stunning piece, Crossroads, has been painted along the sides of the first three carriages of The Ghan. The exhibit celebrates the upcoming Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, which launches 9 April and runs until 18 April 2021.
Mulladad is from Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), a remote indigenous community 80-kilometres south-east of Alice Springs.
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Her work depicts her sense of Country, culture and self through precise and detailed patterns, colours, shapes and structures. Crossroads is about travelling across country on a journey, which is significant and symbolic to the principles of The Ghan.
To complement the external wrap, a spectacular immersive light installation will also light up inside one of The Ghan’s carriages. This brilliant show will provide an engaging visual display and a taste of things to come at Parrtjima.
Presented on The Ghan through an immersive in-carriage experience is the 2019 Ranges Show. The Language of Country – Angkentye Apmere-kenhe celebrates the beauty, uniqueness and survival of the ancient landscape.
The significance of Parrtjima
The rural town of Alice Springs will host Parrtjima – A Festival in Light this year. It aims to turn the desert landscape of Central Australia into a meeting place of old and new. The event will utilise the latest technologies to showcase the oldest continuous culture on earth.
Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford commented, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Tourism NT and Journey Beyond on this exciting project that showcases Parrtjima – A Festival in Light to a national audience.”
Parrtjima provides an exceptional opportunity to learn about Aboriginal stories, culture and art.
“In developing creative concepts like this it reminds us of the importance in connecting people. On this occasion, by involving the Ghan with Parrtjima, we’re highlighting pathways and moving forward which ties in with the ‘Future Kultcha’ theme for Parrtjima 2021,” said AGB Events CEO Anthony Bastic.
Learn more about the Parrtjima – A Festival in Light by visiting their website. The event is free to attend, but you must register. Find more information about The Ghan here.
