First Nations Telegraph

Reef Lights will return to Cairns Festival for its grand finale with a spectacular new show, celebrating the region's crown jewels – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Created by Laservision, Reef Lights will combine cutting-edge technology, vivid colours, lasers, digital artistry and soundscapes in what promises to be show-stopping night sky display.

Central to the show is Marla’s Story by the Indigenous Design Labs (IDL) team, presenting a narrative of environmental stewardship through the eyes of Marla, the stingray, and her marine friends of the Great Barrier Reef.

Indigenous Design Labs, a self-funded Cairns-based creative impact venture founded by Aboriginal creative designer Leigh Harris, specialises in graphic design and digital innovation for students aged 14-18, helping to foster the next vibrant community of young creatives.

Harris said Marla’s Story highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship.

“We were approached by Laservision to create an animation and storyline for the Reef Lights show. Initially unsure, we discussed the possibilities of telling a modern story through unique Indigenous creative visuals.

“This collaboration has allowed us to create a contemporary story that connects people with the reef and the environment, emphasising the importance of taking care of our own backyards.

“Marla's journey shows us the profound interconnectedness between humans and the marine world, illustrating the impact of environmental changes on the reef and how individual actions contribute to these impacts.”

Harris said his students have welcomed the challenge of creating this work for Cairns Festival.

"Our program equips young people with the skills to create impactful and meaningful design, building their digital and creative literacy while enabling them to work with some of Australia’s biggest companies.

“Creative industries in particular graphic and digital design is an untapped opportunity for our young people in regional and remote Australia, and we are showing young people the endless possibilities that exist.

“This project has given our young people a sense of ownership and pride in what they are doing and learning at Indigenous Design Labs.

“This is incredibly important to them, particularly when the opportunity is local, and your family and community can see your work and be proud to.”

Reef Lights will run from Friday 23 August through to Sunday, 1 September from 6.30pm to 10pm.

It is one of the highlights of the Cairns Festival program, which features a diverse mix of music, theatre, film, dance and art. For more information, go to www.cairnsfest.com.au.