City of Sydney x We Are Warriors
WAW: NYE TAKEOVER
Wrapping up 2023, we took over Sydney New Years’ Eve Fireworks and put a spotlight on Blak Excellence for 425 million people to see.
In collaboration with We Are Warriors, a social Indigenous enterprise, and artists Janelle Burger and Jock Holyman, we brought Indigenous stories to life. From a Welcome to Country pylon projection to a nine-minute original score, the event highlighted the resilience of Indigenous culture.
Titled 'Buried Country,' the concept delved into untold stories, reminding us we are always on Indigenous land. The display honored Pemulwuy, a Bidjigal resistance fighter, and celebrated Indigenous icons, past, present, and future. A call for strength, recognition, and love, it resonated globally, uniting us in the spirit of Warriors.
A social activation expanded the event's reach, allowing individuals to send heartfelt messages through a QR code, extending the celebration beyond Sydney to a national and international level.
Revolutionising the 9pm fireworks' international broadcast, We Are Warriors founder, Nooky, ingeniously hijacked our own media interviews. Wearing a QR code, he urged First Nations people to scan, prompting them to enter their names. Using generative AI, Nooky's voice resonated, sharing messages of hope, resilience, and love: 'You are seen, you are heard, you are loved, We are Warriors.'
Users were then encouraged to pass on this message by entering a loved one's name. Upon opening the message, Nooky's voice continued the song line. This immersive experience included Nooky's new song, a behind-the-scenes video, and a chance to meet our Warriors projected onto Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons."
